Australia’s National

Science Agency

Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration

Opportunities: Canada

As at 18 August 2022
Citation
Benedicte Delaval, Trevor Rapson, Raghav Sharma, Will Hugh-Jones, Erin McClure, Vivek Srinivasan (2022) Hydrogen RD&D
Collaboration Opportunities: Canada. CSIRO, Australia

Copyright
© Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation 2022. To the extent permitted by law, all rights are reserved, and
no part of this publication covered by copyright may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means except with the written
permission of CSIRO.

Disclaimer
CSIRO advises that the information contained in this publication comprises general statements based on research and
consultations. The reader is advised and needs to be aware that such information may be incomplete or unable to be used in any
specific situation. No reliance or actions must therefore be made on that information without seeking prior expert professional,
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This report does not reflect the views of the Australian Government, the Canadian Government and the stakeholder organisations
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Acknowledgments
CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands that we live and work on across Australia and pays its respect to Elders
past and present. CSIRO recognises that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have made and will continue to make
extraordinary contributions to all aspects of Australian life including culture, economy and science.
We are grateful for the time and input of the stakeholders from industry, government, academia who were consulted throughout
this project and across the report series. In particular, the CSIRO project team would like to thank:
• Colleagues at CSIRO, members of the Australian Hydrogen Research Network (AHRN) and staff at the Department of Industry,
Science, Energy and Resources (DISER), DFAT, Austrade who provided invaluable contributions to the report.
• CSIRO’s Intellectual Property team and IP Australia who contributed the hydrogen patent analytics used in this series of
reports: Greg Maloney (CSIRO), Catriona Shaw (IP Australia), Pushpika Wijesinghe (IP Australia).
• CSIRO’s Science Impact & Policy team who contributed the hydrogen research publication analysis used in this series of
reports: Tadro Abbott (CSIRO)
• The project Working Group who provided valuable feedback throughout the course of the project: Ben Aldham (CSIRO),
Linda Stalker (CSIRO), Craig Buckley (Curtin University), Amalia Pearson (DISER).
• The CSIRO-DISER Hydrogen RD&D International Collaboration Program leadership team who provided oversight and guidance
throughout the project: James Hetherington (DISER), Amalia Pearson (DISER), Patrick Hartley (CSIRO), Vicky Au (CSIRO), Dan
O'Sullivan (CSIRO).
Finally, we would like to thank the following organisations and individuals for their time and feedback on this country report:
CSIRO: Amelia Fyfield, Doki Yamaguchi, Greg Maloney, Joel Sarout, Nawshad Haque, Sebastian Charnock, Yuko Wakamatsu,
Yunxia Yang.
AHRN: Andrew Dicks (Griffith University, AHRN Convenor), Peter Grubnic (Future Fuels CRC), Peter Majewski (University of South
Australia).
International Stakeholders:
National Research Council (NRC), Canada
University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada
Office of Energy Research and Development (OERD), Canada
Contents
Executive summary: Canada 1

1 Country analysis: Canada 5

Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 5
Canada’s hydrogen drivers, strategy and RD&D priorities ............................................................. 5
1.2.1 Canada’s key drivers ......................................................................................................... 5
1.2.2 Canada’s strategic hydrogen industry priorities ............................................................... 6
1.2.3 Canada’s hydrogen RD&D priorities ................................................................................. 9
Canada’s hydrogen RD&D ecosystem ........................................................................................... 12
1.3.1 Public bodies and policy ecosystem ............................................................................... 12
1.3.2 Hydrogen consortia ........................................................................................................ 17
1.3.3 Funding mechanisms ...................................................................................................... 18
1.3.4 Other key hydrogen policies, regulation and legislation ................................................ 25
Canada’s domestic hydrogen RD&D projects ............................................................................... 27
1.4.1 Major domestic hydrogen RD&D projects ...................................................................... 28
1.4.2 Canada’s hydrogen RD&D clusters ................................................................................. 31
1.4.3 Major domestic commercial hydrogen projects............................................................. 34
International collaboration and joint RD&D projects ................................................................... 35
1.5.1 Overview of Canada’s approach to international collaboration .................................... 35
1.5.2 Canada’s bilateral hydrogen relationships ..................................................................... 36
1.5.3 Canada’s joint international RD&D projects ................................................................... 38
1.5.4 Canada’s joint international commercial projects .......................................................... 40
Data insights: Canada’s hydrogen RD&D activity .......................................................................... 40
1.6.1 Research publication data .............................................................................................. 40
1.6.2 Patent data ..................................................................................................................... 41
1.6.3 Project data..................................................................................................................... 46
Executive summary: Canada
Canada has a well-established hydrogen production sector based on its natural gas resources, and has
begun shifting towards carbon capture technologies, renewable hydrogen, hydrogen from biomass, and
expanding hydrogen use across multiple sectors. Canada has flagged it is open to high-quality proposals for
international collaborations or MoUs.
The Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada chapter aims to enhance country-to-country
engagement by providing an overview of Canada’s hydrogen priorities and ecosystem. This report also
includes a publication and intellectual property (IP) scan, identifying the key stakeholders in Canada actively
undertaking hydrogen RD&D, both at the early research and commercialisation stages.

Canada’s hydrogen strategy

In December 2020, Canada released the federal Hydrogen Strategy for Canada. The hydrogen strategy is
driven by Canada’s legislative commitment to decarbonise the economy, the opportunity to stimulate
economic growth and job creation, the potential to cement Canada’s role as a global science and
technology innovation leader, and to ensure energy security and grid resilience. In addition to the federal
hydrogen strategy, several Canadian provinces have also developed their own hydrogen strategies or
discussed the role of hydrogen within strategic planning documents more broadly.
Canada’s federal and provincial-level strategic priorities in hydrogen include: the use of hydrogen in power
generation; transportation (including light-, medium- and heavy-duty fuel cell vehicles); industrial
decarbonisation (including in Canada’s oil and gas and other hard-to-abate industries such as steel,
chemical and paper manufacturing); and heat for buildings through natural gas blending. Approaches to
implementing the Hydrogen Strategy will vary between provinces in Canada, in line with each region’s
comparative advantages. Canada is focussed on supporting increased RD&D to accelerate the development
and commercialisation of hydrogen technologies in support of these priorities.

Canada’s targets and RD&D priorities

The Hydrogen Strategy for Canada outlines a ‘Vision for 2050’ which articulates ambitions for hydrogen
production, utilisation and demand across Canada. Canada aims to be a global top three producer of
hydrogen from renewables, and to develop a strong domestic supply of low carbon-hydrogen at roughly
CAD 1.5-3.5 per kg. Canada aims for more than 30% of its energy to be delivered by hydrogen, and more
than 50% of its natural gas supply to be blended with hydrogen through existing and reproposed pipeline
infrastructure. Canada’s light vehicle sales target by 2026 is 20%, 60% by 2030, 100% by 2035. 1 This
includes fuel cell vehicles but also electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Ultimately, Canada aims for
hydrogen production and utilisation to directly contribute to 190 Mt-CO2-e emission reductions per year.

1
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview/emissions-reduction-2030/sector-
overview.html

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To achieve these goals, Canada is investing in RD&D in a variety of areas.
Production Storage and distribution
Electrolysis: polymer electrolyte membrane, Compression and liquefaction: pressurised
alkaline, solid oxide, anion exchange membrane storage, pipelines, underground storage
Fossil fuel conversion: CCS, coal gasification, Chemical: ammonia
methane pyrolysis, methane reforming
Biomass and waste conversion Synthetic fuels
Electrolysis: nuclear Physisorption
Other: tube trailers and tank lorries, carrier ships

Utilisation Cross-cutting
Gas blending: pipelines, appliances, gas separation Policy and regulation
Transport: fuel cells, refuelling stations, aviation, Codes and standards
internal combustion engines, fuel cell trains, fuel cell
ships
Electricity generation: hydrogen turbines, fuel cells Social licence
Industrial processes: steel processing, combustion,
synthetic fuels
Other: agricultural fertilizer

Canada’s domestic hydrogen landscape

The main government bodies driving hydrogen strategy and RD&D policy in Canada are Innovation, Science
and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), which includes the
Office of Energy Research and Development (OERD). Provincial governments also have a remit to develop
regional-scale hydrogen strategies and often allocate funding to achieve their priorities. The recently
formed ‘Hydrogen Strategy Implementation Strategic Steering Committee’ will coordinate and monitor the
implementation of Canada’s hydrogen strategy at a federal level. The Committee’s role is to identify
strategic priorities, share knowledge, and monitor the progress of the strategy’s implementation.
Implementation of hydrogen RD&D in Canada takes place in a decentralised manner across research
institutions and industry. Notable bodies include the National Research Council and the Natural Sciences
and Engineering Research Council of Canada, which administer Canada’s research and development (R&D)
funding mechanisms – including the Strategic Innovation Fund. In this way, these bodies have tangential
oversight of R&D activities across Canada’s research institutions.
Canada has several active consortia and industry associations which support Canada’s transition to a
hydrogen economy, including the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (CHFCA), the Hydrogen
Business Council (HBCoC) of Canada and the Canadian Science and Policy Centre (CSPC).

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 2
 Figure 1: Country’s hydrogen RD&D ecosystem

Industry, academia and government are collaborating to bring about hydrogen clusters (also known as
hydrogen valleys or ecosystems) by 2025. These are hydrogen value chain demonstrations and pilot
projects that cut across sector applications. Currently, there are four regions with strong hydrogen RD&D
activity:

Figure 2: Canada’s hydrogen clusters

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IP and publications scan
Several universities, public research institutions and private companies are highly active in early-stage
hydrogen research and late-stage technology commercialisation. This is reflected in hydrogen research
publication output and patent output data.

Table 1: Top organisations active in early-stage and late-stage hydrogen RD&D

Top organisations Top organisations

Rank
(Research publication output) (Hydrogen patent output)

1 Ontario Tech University Westport Fuel Systems Canada

2 University of Toronto Expander Energy

Air Products & Chemicals;

3 University of Alberta
Hydrogenics

4 University of Waterloo LANZATECH

Battelle Memorial Institute; Toyota Motor; Next

Western University (University of Western Hydrogen; SUNCOR Energy; Honeywell Intl.; Michigan
5
Ontario) State University; Nemaska Lithium; NOVA Chemicals;
SIGNA Chemistry

International collaboration
The Hydrogen Strategy for Canada recognises strategic partnerships between countries and industry on
pilot projects, technology sharing, and collaboration as key to accelerating hydrogen RD&D. Additionally,
Canada is a founding member of several international hydrogen initiatives which facilitate increased
collaboration across the value chain, including the IEA Technology Collaboration Program, the International
Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE), Mission Innovation, and the Hydrogen
Initiative under the Clean Energy Ministerial. Bilaterally, Canada has formalised hydrogen-specific
partnerships with Chile, Germany, Japan, Netherlands and the United States. Canada has also issued
bilateral joint funding calls, such as the Canada-Germany R&D Funding call which covers 10 hydrogen
projects.

Activity levels for hydrogen and net-zero initiatives is high. While effort has been made to capture major
announcements and key information as at 18 August 2022, the content is intended to provide a starting
point for informing international engagement, particularly when used in conjunction with other reports in
the series, and is non-exhaustive.

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1 Country analysis: Canada
Introduction
Canada has a well-established hydrogen sector across the value chain. Canada currently produces an
estimated 3 million tonnes of hydrogen annually, or 4% of global hydrogen production – primarily from
steam methane reforming (SMR) of natural gas. 2 However, Canada has recognised the limitations of this
production method and recently legislated the Canadian Net Zero Emissions Accountability Act to transition
to net-zero by 2050. As such, Canada has recognised the need to adopt low- and carbon-neutral hydrogen 3
production alternatives.
In December 2020, the Canadian Government published the Hydrogen Strategy for Canada. 4 In addition to
Canada’s legislative commitment to decarbonise the economy, the hydrogen strategy is driven by the
opportunity to stimulate economic growth and job creation, the potential to cement Canada’s role as a
global science and technology innovation leader and to ensure energy security and grid resilience. The
National Research Council (NRC) estimates that between CAD 5 to 7 billion of public and private sector
investment will be necessary to sufficiently develop Canada’s hydrogen economy, and several funding
mechanisms are already in place for hydrogen RD&D. This is key to achieving Canada’s key objective of
developing regional clusters by 2025 (also known as hubs, valleys, or ecosystems), with a view achieving a
full rollout of a hydrogen economy including inter-provincial connectivity by 2050.
The Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada chapter presents an overview of the hydrogen
RD&D landscape in Canada, starting from the national strategy level, down to activity in specific hydrogen
technology areas.

Canada’s hydrogen drivers, strategy and RD&D priorities

1.2.1 Canada’s key drivers

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) highlights that the development of a low-carbon hydrogen industry will
complement Canada’s economic recovery from COVID-19 and as such, is a strategic priority. The following
drivers have been identified to guide Canada’s hydrogen strategy and transition to a low-carbon hydrogen
economy:
• Decarbonisation: Canada’s two emissions reduction targets are the primary driver for developing a
hydrogen economy. First, Canada has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% of 2005
levels by 2030; and second, to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Specifically, hydrogen will play a
central role in decarbonising energy intensive end-use applications – including long-range transport
and hard-to-abate industries. It is estimated that hydrogen could deliver 30% of Canada’s end-use

2
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
3
Canada refers to low-carbon and clean hydrogen as hydrogen that is produced from renewables, biomass, nuclear or from fossil fuel conversion
with CCUS. Canada also considers other methods of production as low-carbon so long as CO2 emissions can be offset, for example through direct air
capture of emissions. See NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
4
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf

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 energy requirements by 2050, and abate 190 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2-e) of
greenhouse gas emissions. 5
• Economic growth: Growth is a key driver for the development of a hydrogen economy in Canada. A
hydrogen economy will have broad economic benefits: generating new jobs in research and
development (R&D), manufacturing, and end-use applications; and allowing Canadian companies to
take advantage of trade opportunities across the hydrogen value chain – such as fuel cell technology
exports and energy exports. As a result, NRCan has forecast that Canada’s domestic hydrogen market
could be worth CAD 50 billion by 2050, with additional indirect revenues not accounted for. 6 It is
expected Canada’s hydrogen economy will support 350,000 jobs by 2050 and provide an opportunity
for 800,000 jobs to transfer from the traditional energy sector to hydrogen and hydrogen-related
industries. 7
• Technology innovation and industry position: Developing a hydrogen economy is seen as central to
stimulating private and public sector innovation and R&D capability in Canada. As of 2017, there were
more than 100 hydrogen-related companies across the value chain. Canada has recognised that
increased global demand for hydrogen presents an opportunity for Canadian companies to innovate
and supply technology and services to support hydrogen production, storage, distribution and
utilisation. 8
• Energy security and resilience: Wide-scale hydrogen production can ensure a strong, resilient energy
sector able to provide clean energy in indigenous, rural and remote communities. Canada has a broad
energy mix (including nuclear, hydro, solar and wind) and hydrogen can act as a vector to tie together
disparate energy sources, creating an integrated energy system. Additionally, hydrogen has been
identified as a suitable option for utility-scale energy storage. 9

1.2.2 Canada’s strategic hydrogen industry priorities

The 2020 Hydrogen Strategy for Canada 10 complements many of the net-zero transition initiatives
identified in Canada’s broader climate plan, A Healthy Environment and a Health Economy. 11 Canada has
also articulated hydrogen-specific strategic priorities in provincial-level hydrogen plans. In this section,
sector-wide themes and strategic priorities from the national strategy have been overlayed with strategic
priorities identified in provincial-level plans released by British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec.

5
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
6
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
7
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
8
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
9
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
10
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
11
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 6
Canada’s key strategic hydrogen industry priorities are outlined below: 12
• Power generation: Hydrogen is expected to play a major role in Canada’s power generation mix going
forward. Canada has outlined an ambition for hydrogen to deliver 30% of domestic power supply by
2050. Hydrogen has been identified as a key fuel because it provides load management, energy
storage capability and stability for off-grid solutions, it increases the viability of intermittent
renewables, and it complements Canada’s existing power generation mix and infrastructure –
particularly hydroelectricity.
• Transportation: Hydrogen offers an opportunity to decarbonise transport in Canada. The current
focus is on commencing further demonstration projects for medium- and heavy-duty fuel cell electric
vehicles (FCEVs), with a view to accelerate commercialisation. Canada’s speciality fuel cell vehicles
(including marine, rail and aviation applications) will play a significant role once they reach
technological maturity. To support the commercial up-take of FCEVs, the Canadian Government
legislated federal targets for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) to reach 30% of light-duty passenger
vehicles by 2030 and 100% by 2040. Provincial governments, including British Columbia and Quebec,
have established regulations and subsidy programs to support this.
• Decarbonising industry: Hydrogen will be utilised to support industry decarbonisation. For example,
the Hydrogen Strategy for Canada 13 proposes hydrogen used in Canada’s oil and gas sector, and
chemical and ammonia sector needs to be decarbonised. Clean hydrogen can be used to replace fossil
fuels in steel manufacturing. Specific to decarbonising the oil and gas sector, the most viable options
identified are to either retrofit existing hydrogen production technology with carbon capture,
utilisation and storage (CCUS) infrastructure or alternatively, develop clean hydrogen technology that
does not emit CO2. Additionally, hydrogen may be used as a substitute for natural gas in end-use
applications within heavy industries such as the oil and gas sector, cement manufacturing, and the
pulp and paper sector where high-grade heat is required, and other substitutes are not technologically
or economically viable.
• Heat for buildings: Hydrogen blending with natural gas will be considered as a potentially viable
method to reduce emissions in Canada’s natural gas supply. At present, several jurisdictions in Canada
are conducting natural gas blending in heating pilot projects to assess the techno-economic feasibility
of commercial-scale hydrogen blending.
Approaches to implementing the hydrogen strategy will vary across Canadian provinces. Importantly, the
Hydrogen Strategy for Canada 14 notes that Canada’s hydrogen ambitions will only be realised if provinces
tailor strategies to local profiles and various factors specific to the region, such as natural resource
availability, existing infrastructure and economic needs. Several Canadian provinces have developed their
own hydrogen-specific strategies, or tangentially discussed the role of hydrogen in planning documents
more broadly.

12
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
13
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
14
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf

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Provincial-level strategic hydrogen priorities – to the extent they have been articulated in planning
documents – are outlined in Table 2 below.

Table 2: Provincial-level hydrogen priorities

Province Hydrogen Priorities

British Columbia In June 2021, British Columbia released the B.C Hydrogen Strategy. 15 The Strategy identifies
63 hydrogen-specific actions to support the transition to net-zero emissions. Key strategic
priorities include scaling-up hydrogen production from renewables, development of
hydrogen hubs and the roll-out of transport applications, fuel cells, and zero emission
vehicles. 16

Alberta In December 2020, Alberta released the Alberta Hydrogen Roadmap 17 which identified the
region’s existing oil and gas infrastructure as an advantage to produce hydrogen through
SMR with CCUS.

Ontario In November 2020, Ontario released the Ontario Low-Carbon Hydrogen Strategy Discussion
Paper. 18 This paper identifies hydrogen production from renewables and natural gas
blending as key priorities to facilitate the transition towards net-zero emissions.

Quebec In November 2020, Quebec released the 2030 Plan for a Green Economy 19 which outlined
the region’s desire to be a leader in hydrogen production from renewables. In 2022 Quebec
released its strategy on clean hydrogen and biofuels. 20

Canada’s hydrogen targets

Though Canada has not prescribed targets, the Hydrogen Strategy for Canada outlines a ‘Vision for 2050’
which establishes ambitions for hydrogen utilisation, production and demand across Canada. These
include: 21
• Production: For Canada to be a global top 3 producer of hydrogen from renewable sources. To
produce 4 Mt per year of clean hydrogen by 2030 and 20 Mt per year by 2050;
• Emissions reduction: For hydrogen production and utilisation to directly contribute to a 190 Mt-CO2-e
greenhouse gas emission reduction per year;
• Cost: To develop a strong domestic supply of low-carbon hydrogen, with prices ranging from CAD 1.5-
3.5 per kg;

15
Government of British Columbia and CleanBC (2021) B.C. Hydrogen Strategy: A sustainable pathway for B.C.’s energy transition.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/farming-natural-resources-and-industry/electricity-alternative-energy/electricity/bc-hydro-
review/bc_hydrogen_strategy_final.pdf
16
Government of British Columbia and CleanBC (2021) B.C. Hydrogen Strategy: A sustainable pathway for B.C.’s energy transition.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/farming-natural-resources-and-industry/electricity-alternative-energy/electricity/bc-hydro-
review/bc_hydrogen_strategy_final.pdf
17
Government of Alberta (2021) Alberta Hydrogen Roadmap. https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/d7749512-25dc-43a5-86f1-
e8b5aaec7db4/resource/538a7827-9d13-4b06-9d1d-d52b851c8a2a/download/energy-alberta-hydrogen-roadmap-2021.pdf
18
Government of Ontario (2020) Ontario Low-Carbon Hydrogen Strategy [Discussion Paper]. https://prod-environmental-
registry.s3.amazonaws.com/2020-11/Ontario%20Low-Carbon%20Hydrogen%20Strategy%20-
%20discussion%20paper%20%28November%202020%29.pdf
19
Quebec Government (2021) 2030 Plan for a Green Economy. https://www.quebec.ca/en/government/policies-orientations/plan-green-economy
20
Québec Green Hydrogen and Bioenergy Strategy | Gouvernement du Québec (quebec.ca)
21
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf

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 • Electricity generation: 30% of Canada’s energy delivered by hydrogen, with domestic supply of >20 Mt
per year;
• Gas networks: For >50% of Canada’s natural gas supply to be blended with hydrogen through existing
and repurposed pipeline infrastructure;
• Mobility: Federal targets for zero-emission light vehicles (including hydrogen vehicles and battery
electric vehicles, and plug-in hybrid vehicles), of 10% by 2025 (light vehicles), 30% by 2030, and 100%
by 2050; and
• Export: Canada’s strategy notes that exports could reach CAD ~50 billion by 2050. 22

1.2.3 Canada’s hydrogen RD&D priorities

Whilst research institutions and industry have been active in hydrogen RD&D activities, Canada is yet to
formally outline specific RD&D priorities. However, some RD&D priorities can be identified from the 2020
Hydrogen Strategy for Canada. 23 Table 3 summarises Canada’s RD&D priorities by sub-technology area, and
these were supplemented by in-country consultations.

Table 3: Canada's Hydrogen RD&D priorities

Supply chain Sub-technology Canada’s key RD&D priorities

Area Areas

Production Electrolysis Electrolysis from renewable energy (particularly hydroelectricity, and to a

(renewable) lesser degree wind, possibly offshore wind).
Decrease cost of and improve efficiency of electrolysis.
Polymer electrolyte membrane electrolysis (PEM) and alkaline electrolysis
(AE) are considered but R&D priorities are not articulated.
Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOE) commercialisation and improved cost
effectiveness. Pairing SOE with output heat from geothermal and solar
thermal systems.
An emerging area of research in Canada is anion exchange membrane (AEM)
electrolysis. 24

Fossil fuel Gasification of crude oil and bitumen with CCUS.

conversion with
Retrofitting existing SMR technology with CCUS, Canada’s current primary
CCUS
hydrogen production method.
Improvements in CCUS technology, including reducing CO2 capture and
compression technology costs.
Autothermal reforming with CCUS is also considered but R&D priorities are
not articulated in the strategy document.

22
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf; The Transition
Accelerator (2020) Towards Net-Zero Energy Systems in Canada: A key Role for Hydrogen. https://transitionaccelerator.ca/wp-
content/uploads/2020/09/Net-zero-energy-systems_role-for-hydrogen_200909-Final-print-1.pdf
23
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
24
Additional priorities from in-country stakeholder consultations

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 9
 Supply chain Sub-technology Canada’s key RD&D priorities
Area Areas

Low carbon Developing methane pyrolysis (thermal and plasma). An alternative to SMR
fossil fuel which provides the benefit of generating solid carbon which can be readily
conversion captured (alleviating the need for gaseous CO2 capture and geological
sequestration).

Biomass and Biomass gasification with CCUS and methane conversion from waste is
waste identified but specific R&D priorities are not articulated in the strategy.
conversion

High Techno-economic analysis to assess the feasibility of nuclear hydrogen

temperature production (currently underway at the Bruce Nuclear Generating Station).
nuclear and
Continued development of small modular reactors. Commercial scale-up in
electrolysis
the long term.
SOE commercialisation and improved cost effectiveness. Pairing SOE
electrolysers with output heat from nuclear energy systems.
Steam methane reforming could use steam produced by nuclear energy
systems as the reactant, which could eliminate the need to use natural gas.

Storage and Compressed Commercialise greater than 450 bar storage and transportation vessels by
distribution hydrogen 2030 using composite materials.
Scale-up distribution networks in urban areas and clusters.

Liquid hydrogen Large-scale insulated tanks (including tanker trucks), decreasing cost of
liquefaction and reduced boil-off.
On-board storage of liquefied hydrogen (e.g. marine and rail vessels, heavy
duty trucks).
Scale-up distribution networks in urban areas and clusters.

Chemical Ammonia and methylcyclohexane (MCH) are identified as priorities, but

carriers R&D priorities are not articulated.

Physisorption Adsorbent storage, further research to ascertain potential.

Underground Commercial scale underground storage in salt caverns by 2030- 2050.

storage
Depleted gas well storage in the medium term.

Gas networks By 2030, commercialise blended hydrogen in utility distribution and

and pipelines transmission systems, and demonstrate dedicated hydrogen pipelines.
Establish mini grids at industrial sites and transportation corridors.
R&D to overcome material embrittlement, gas metering and end use
appliance challenges (e.g. boilers, compressors, stoves and fireplaces).
Separation technologies (separating hydrogen from natural gas).

Utilisation FCEVs By 2025, commercial deployment of light and commercial vehicles.

(passenger and Specifically, developing cost-effective fuel cells, technology advancements
commercial) and greater production scale to drive down costs of light hydrogen vehicles.

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 10
 Supply chain Sub-technology Canada’s key RD&D priorities
Area Areas
Pilot bus fleets and associated refuelling stations for fleets of >20 buses to
support broader rollout.
By 2030, commercial deployment of trucks and long-range vehicles and
associated refuelling infrastructure. Specifically, hydrogen-diesel co-
combustion in trucks (as an intermediate solution towards FCEVs, and a
mechanism to support demand for refuelling network expansion). Hydrogen
blending in compressed natural gas vehicles) including improvements to
mitigate tank embrittlement and nitrous oxide (NOx) emissions.
Refuelling stations with dual fuel sources (compressed natural gas and
hydrogen). This requires separation technology.

Fuel cells (other By 2030, demonstration deployments for fuel cells in rail, mining equipment,
transport) marine vessels, and ships. Commercial deployment of specialty equipment
(e.g. seaport equipment and aviation applications).
Integration of train and marine vessel pilots into port demonstration hubs.
Technology procurement from overseas to enable ‘leapfrogging’.

Transport fuels Methanol, synthetic fuel production, and carbon-neutral energy-dense

liquid fuels for aviation and marine vessels). Demonstrate liquid synthetic
fuels by 2030.
Renewable ammonia as a shipping fuel is identified but no RD&D priorities
are articulated.

Electricity Hydrogen combustion turbines.

generation
Increasing the proportion of hydrogen blended in existing power plants.
Stationary fuel cell power plants.
By 2030, demonstrations of off-grid and remote area power systems, back-
up power, and shore power for ships in harbour. In the long term, grid
integration.

Industrial By 2025, demonstration deployments of hydrogen combustion for industrial

applications heat (blended hydrogen or pure hydrogen).
Demonstrate clean hydrogen as a feedstock for chemical production and oil
and gas upgrading by 2025.
Retrofitting hydrogen production technologies in refineries, chemical plants,
and ammonia plants with CCUS (noting that hydrogen use in refineries is
responsible for significant CO2 emissions).
Move beyond experimental and pilot projects for hydrogen in the direct
reduction of iron to produce steel. The steel sector is also considering the
use of hydrogen (as a heat source, and for partial replacement of reduction
agent) in existing assets to reduce their GHG footprint. 25
Cement manufacturing, pulp and paper production, and processes relying
on steam production.

25
Additional priorities from in-country stakeholder consultations.

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 11
 Supply chain Sub-technology Canada’s key RD&D priorities
Area Areas

Agriculture Renewable nitrogen fertilizer production.

Cross cutting Policy and Policy settings to incentivise rollout of the hydrogen economy in different
regulation sectors.

Codes and Development of hydrogen certification schemes. Harmonisation of codes

standards and standards across jurisdictions.
Development of hydrogen industry codes, technical standards and
regulations. This also includes a carbon standard.
Codes and standards related to pipeline blending and large-scale high
pressure gas distribution (450 bar)

Social license Increasing public awareness of economic benefits and safety.

Canada’s hydrogen RD&D ecosystem

1.3.1 Public bodies and policy ecosystem

Overview of Canada’s STI policy landscape

Canada’s science, technology, and innovation (STI) policy landscape is established at multiple levels of
government: federal, provincial and territorial, and municipal. Several departments and agencies are tasked
with delivering programs and services within the STI landscape, enabling activities such as RD&D.
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) is a department responsible for fostering a
competitive and innovative Canadian economy. ISED’s portfolio consists of 18 organisations that leverage
resources across their respective domains to provide nation-wide benefits in areas of trade and investment,
SME growth, community development, and innovation through science and technology. 26 Moreover, the
ISED is responsible for administering acts and regulations for these areas. Member organisations
particularly relevant to RD&D include the National Research Council (NRC) and the Natural Sciences and
Engineering Research Council Canada (NSERC).
Research in Canada occurs across various bodies, each with their own respective grant and funding system.
Public research is often conducted in federal laboratories and occur through government agencies such as
the NRC and NRCan. For industrial research, NRC offers support for technological innovation through its
Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) aimed at small and medium enterprises (SMEs), with
much of the STI research in universities being funded by Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council
(NSERC) – a leading Canadian federal agency. 27 Further, ISED and Health Canada have also developed the
Strategic Science Fund (SSF), which aims to mobilise independent third-party science and research
organisations through a principles-based framework that allocates federal funding to these groups. 28

26
ISED (2021) Innovation, Science and Economic Development portfolio. https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/icgc.nsf/eng/h_00022.html
27
BRC (2021) Support for Technology Innovation. https://nrc.canada.ca/en/support-technology-innovation; Natural Sciences and Engineering
Research Council of Canada (NSERC) (2021) About. https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/NSERC-CRSNG/Index_eng.asp
28
Government of Canada (2021) Strategic Science Fund. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.
https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/155.nsf/eng/h_00000.html

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 12
Despite funding for scientific research predominately coming from the federal government, there is a wide
array of provincial and municipal-level initiatives and organisations that support innovation and
competitiveness, typically complementing federal policies and programs. 29 Provincial and municipal
academic institutions often operate their own schemes for scientific research, with a number of R&D
companies also participating in the STI space. 30 As such, Canada’s federal STI policies and programs form a
network structure which places emphasis on provincial and cluster development. 31

Overview of Canada’s hydrogen policy landscape

The ‘Hydrogen Strategy Implementation Strategic Steering Committee’ will coordinate and monitor the
implementation of Canada’s hydrogen strategy. 32 The Committee’s role is to identify strategic priorities,
share knowledge, and monitor the progress of the Strategy’s implementation.
Within Canada’s STI system, the governing bodies for the transportation, infrastructure, and energy sectors
are of particular relevance to hydrogen. NRCan operates as a leading research body and represents Canada
at an international level with regard to global commitments to the sustainable development of natural
resources. 33 NRCan also led the development of the Hydrogen Strategy for Canada. 34 Transport Canada’s
Innovation Centre plays a national role in transport-related RD&D to support emerging technologies and
ensure a safe, clean and integrated transportation system. This includes zero-emissions vehicles and
hydrogen FCEVs. To achieve this, Transport Canada’s Innovation Centre engages with a range of
government programs including ITS Architecture for Canada, Innovation Solutions Canada, the Build in
Canada Innovation Program, and the Program to Advance Connectivity and Automation in the
Transportation System (ACATS). 35
As has been noted in Section 1.2.2 Canada’s strategic hydrogen industry priorities Canada’s strategic
hydrogen industry priorities, individual provinces have developed their own hydrogen-specific strategies.
This suggests variations in regulatory, policy and legal frameworks between regions as each province seeks
to incentivise RD&D investments that align with their provincial strategic priorities and areas of economic
development. A key issue noted in the Hydrogen Strategy for Canada 36 is the lack of comprehensive
regulatory and policy frameworks across provinces. 37 While robust in nature, the lack of a broader policy
framework may ultimately hinder the uniform implementation of new and emerging hydrogen
technologies. 38 In response, in April 2021 the Minister of Natural Resources announced the establishment

Salazar M and Holbrook (2007) Canadian Science, Technology and Innovation Policy: The Product of Regional Networking?, Regional Studies, 41:8.
29

DOI: 10.1080/00343400701530865
30
Research Infosource Inc. (2020) Canada's Top 100 Corporate R&D Spenders 2020. https://researchinfosource.com/top-100-corporate-rd-
spenders/2020/list
31
Salazar M and Holbrook (2007) Canadian Science, Technology and Innovation Policy: The Product of Regional Networking?, Regional Studies, 41:8.
DOI: 10.1080/00343400701530865
32
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
33
NRCan (2021) About Us. <https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/home/about-us/10838>
34
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
35
Transport Canada (2019) Innovation Centre. https://tc.canada.ca/en/innovation-centre
36
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
37
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
38
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 13
of the Hydrogen Strategy Implementation Strategic Steering Committee. 39 Several working groups are in
the process of being established to work alongside the steering committee, ultimately forming the general
structure for Canadian hydrogen governance. 40 These working groups cover hydrogen development, codes
and standards, and innovation across various sectors.

Figure 3: Summary of Canada’s hydrogen RD&D policy ecosystem

Table 4: Summary of key regulatory bodies

Body Role in RD&D Ecosystem Hydrogen Initiatives

ISED ISED is a department of the Canadian ISED supports hydrogen-related RD&D

government responsible for fostering a projects through the distribution of grants,
Innovation, Science
competitive Canadian economy. 41 the provision of programs and services, and
and Economic
overseeing regulation and legislation. 43
Development Its core responsibilities are to oversee: the
Canada growth and investment of Canadian
companies; people, communities and skills;
and RD&D and commercialisation of science
and technology. 42

NRCan NRCan plays a leading role in clean energy NRCan was the federal department
RD&D at a federal level as a funder through responsible for the collation and publishing
Natural Resources
the OERD (see below), and as an actor
Canada
through its CanmetENERGY,

39
Government of Canada (2021) Canada Launches Hydrogen Strategy Steering Committee. https://www.canada.ca/en/natural-resources-
canada/news/2021/04/canada-launches-hydrogen-strategy-steering-committee.html
40
Consultation with in-country stakeholders
41
Government of Canada (2021) Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada., https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/icgc.nsf/eng/home
42
Government of Canada (2021) Infographic for Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. https://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/ems-sgd/edb-
bdd/index-eng.html#orgs/dept/130/infograph/results
43
Government of Canada (2021) Infographic for Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. https://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/ems-sgd/edb-
bdd/index-eng.html#orgs/dept/130/infograph/results; Government of Canada (2021) Programs and Initiatives.
https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/icgc.nsf/eng/h_07654.html

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 14
 Body Role in RD&D Ecosystem Hydrogen Initiatives
CanmetMATERIALS and CanmetMINING of the Hydrogen Strategy for Canada
laboratories. 44 published in 2020. 45
NRCan is co-chair of the Hydrogen Strategy
Steering Committee, alongside the CHFCA. 46
NRCan typically funds demonstration
projects, whereas R&D projects are typically
funded by the NSERC (see below).

OERD The OERD sits under NRCan and is The OERD has sponsored several CCUS RD&D
responsible for overseeing the management projects in Canada including applications to
The Office of
and development of energy RD&D across the hydrogen production such as the Alberta Carbon
Energy Research
federal government. 47 It is a chief funding Trunk Line (ACTL) which became operational
and Development
mechanism for energy-related RD&D in 2020 and Shell Quest that became
activities. operational in 2015. 48 Further, it manages
the Energy Innovation Program (EIP) which
has an annual funding of CAD 24 million for
projects through a targeted calls mechanism
- including rounds for proposals focussed on
CCUS and clean fuel/industrial fuel switching
projects. OERD also has a long history of
funding transportation RD&D projects,
including the ongoing Alberta Zero Emissions
Truck Electrification Collaboration (AZETEC)
project. 49

NSERC NSERC sits under IESD and is the major Broadly, NSERC funds and supports RD&D
federal agency responsible for funding hydrogen projects.
Natural Sciences
natural sciences and engineering research
and Engineering NSERC has entered into a partnership with
and wider RD&D projects. 50
Research Council of the German Federal Ministry of Education
Canada and Research to conduct collaborative
research on fuel cell and hydrogen
technologies. 51

44
Mission Innovation. Canada: Plans and Priorities., http://mission-innovation.net/our-members/canada/plans-and-priorities/
45
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
46
Government of Canada (2021) Canada Launches Hydrogen Strategy Steering Committee [News Release]. https://www.canada.ca/en/natural-
resources-canada/news/2021/04/canada-launches-hydrogen-strategy-steering-committee.html
47
Government of Canada (2021) Federal Internal Energy R&D. https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/science-and-data/funding-partnerships/funding-
opportunities/funding-grants-incentives/program-energy-research-development/4993
48
Dalziel M and Walker A (2020) Natural Resources Canada Office of Energy Research and Development Carbon Capture and Storage Investments
1990-2020. The Evidence Network. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.14495.89763
49
Government of Canada (2021) Energy Innovation Program. https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/science-and-data/funding-partnerships/funding-
opportunities/funding-grants-incentives/energy-innovation-program/18876
50
NSERC (2021) About. https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/NSERC-CRSNG/Index_eng.asp
51
NSERC (2020) Pre-announcement of call for joint Canada-Germany projects on hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. https://www.nserc-
crsng.gc.ca/Media-Media/NewsDetail-DetailNouvelles_eng.asp?ID=1204

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 15
 Body Role in RD&D Ecosystem Hydrogen Initiatives
Academic R&D projects are typically funded
by NSERC, whereas NRCan funds both R&D
and demonstration.

Hydrogen Strategy The steering committee is co-chaired by In implementing the recommendations of

Implementation NRCan and the CHCFA, with the remaining the Hydrogen Strategy for Canada, the
Strategic Steering members being a consortia of industry steering committee commits to actions
Committee leaders, provincial partners, indigenous supporting and facilitating the 8 pillar
partners, and NGOs. The role of the steering recommendations and encouraging actions
committee is to implement the of others in areas outside its direct
recommendations and track progress of the purview. 53
Hydrogen Strategy for Canada. 52

CanmetENERGY Sits under NRCan. CanmetENERGY is Current hydrogen related RD&D includes on-
Canada’s leading research and technology site hydrogen production for iron-making
organisation for clean energy and consists of (Ontario); advanced hydrogen production
three research centres located in Alberta, from methane using natural gas
Ontario and Quebec. 54 decarbonisation (Ontario); hydrogen
production from unconventional petroleum
sources (Alberta); and optimising hydrogen
consumption during bitumen upgrading and
refining procedures (Alberta). 55

CanmetMATERIALS Sits under NRCan. CanmetMATERIALS is the CanmetMATERIALS participates in

largest research centre in Canada in transportation, building and industry areas,
fabricating, processing and evaluating which may involve the use of hydrogen
materials and consists of two centres located energy produced from renewables. 56
in Hamilton and Calgary.

CanmetMINING Sits under NRCan. CanmetMINING is the In 2016 CanmetMINING released the
science and technology branch of the CanmetMINING research plan 2016-2021:
Minerals and Metals sector of NRCan. Key Green Mining Initiative, 57 which outlines
sectors of application include energy plans to deploy green technologies, manage
(renewable and fossil); environmental risks in the mining ecosystem, and employ
technologies; and mining, minerals and science-based regulations. CanmetMINING
metals. has been active in reviewing and revising the
Canadian Hydrogen Installation Code. 58
Other key projects include feasibility and
field tests for large-scale hydrogen

52
Government of Canada (2021) Canada Launches Hydrogen Strategy Steering Committee [News Release]. https://www.canada.ca/en/natural-
resources-canada/news/2021/04/canada-launches-hydrogen-strategy-steering-committee.html
53
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
54
NRCan (2021) CanmetENERGY research centres. https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/energy-offices-and-labs/canmetenergy/5715
55
NRCan (2021) CanmetENERGY research centres. https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/energy-offices-and-labs/canmetenergy/5715
56
NRCan (2021) CanmetMATERIALS https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/mining-materials/materials-technology/17539
57
NRCan (2016) CanmetMINING Research Plan 2016-2021: Green Mining Initiative. https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2017/rncan-
nrcan/M154-107-2016-eng.pdf
58
NRCan (2019) Towards Deployment of Vehicle Hydrogen Power by the Canadian Mining Industry.
https://worldcongress.energyandmines.com/files/2-40-Implementing-Hydrogen-for-Mines-and-Building-a-Regulartory-Framework-Marc-
Betournay-Natural-Resources-Canada.pdf

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 16
 Body Role in RD&D Ecosystem Hydrogen Initiatives
infrastructure, underground refuelling
infrastructure planning, and the
demonstration of a fuel cell locomotive for
use in underground mining and tunnelling. 59

NRC The NRC is Canada's largest federal R&D Currently the NRC is running 5 programs
organisation. related to hydrogen technologies: the
National Research
Advanced Clean Energy program; Clean and
Council The NRC partners with Canadian industry
Energy-efficient Transportation program;
and universities to take research impacts
Low-emission Aviation program; Materials
from the laboratory to the marketplace.
for Clean Fuels Challenge program; and the
The NRC is a federal agency under ISED. The NRC Capabilities in clean energy and
NRC supports RD&D efforts through its resources. 62
strategic and collaborative research centres,
advisory services, and licencing
opportunities. 60
Within the NRC is the Industrial Research
Assistance program (NRC-IRAP), which
provides an avenue for local SMEs to receive
funding for science and innovation-based
initiatives. 61

1.3.2 Hydrogen consortia

Table 5: Hydrogen consortia

Consortium Description

CHFCA The CHFCA is a national association comprised of industry, academia, government agencies,
and financial organisations, focussed on enhancing and commercialising hydrogen and fuel
Canadian Hydrogen
cell technologies. The CHFCA facilitates the RD&D projects of its members by offering market
and Fuel Cell
development and business opportunities; promoting hydrogen and fuel cell technologies
Association
with policy makers; and supporting the development of regulations, codes and standards of
hydrogen-related products. 63
Member projects are broad but may include fuel cell vehicle systems; hydrogen fuelling
infrastructure; hydrogen storage and production; stationary, portable or back-up energy
solutions; and vehicle manufacturing. 64

59
NRCan (2019) Towards Deployment of Vehicle Hydrogen Power by the Canadian Mining Industry.
https://worldcongress.energyandmines.com/files/2-40-Implementing-Hydrogen-for-Mines-and-Building-a-Regulartory-Framework-Marc-
Betournay-Natural-Resources-Canada.pdf; R Sage and M Bétournay (2003) Application of Fuel Cells in Underground Mining and Tunnelling. JS
International Mining Congress and Exhibition of Turkey https://www.maden.org.tr/resimler/ekler/6869a35be893ac2_ek.pdf
60
Government of Canada (2021) Research and Development, National Research Council. https://nrc.canada.ca/en/research-development
61
Government of Canada (2021) Support for Technology Innovation, National Research Council. https://nrc.canada.ca/en/support-technology-
innovation
62
Government of Canada (2021) Programs, National Research Council. https://nrc.canada.ca/en/research-development/research-
collaboration/programs?search_api_fulltext=hydrogen
63
CHFCA (2021) About. http://www.chfca.ca/about/who-we-are/
64
CHFCA (2021) The Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association.http://www.chfca.ca/

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 17
 Consortium Description

Hydrogène Québec Hydrogène Québec and Hydrogen BC are provincial branches of the CHFCA that support the
and Hydrogen BC commercialisation of hydrogen and fuel cell technology in Québec and British Columbia
respectively. Like the CHFCA, they are a coalition comprised of research institutions, end users,
key stakeholders, and companies that operate within the space of the hydrogen value chain. 65
Key focuses include communications, advocacy, the establishment and maintenance of
partnerships, and supporting and encouraging the development of hydrogen projects.

HBCoC The HBCoC is an association made up of corporate stakeholders, government agencies, non-
governmental organisations, academic and start-up organisations, local distribution
Hydrogen Business
companies, and individuals/students, with the overarching goal to apply and benefit from
Council of Canada
the utilisation of hydrogen. 66 The HBCoC supports and facilitates the uptake of hydrogen in
global centres across the Greater Toronto Area, with its main priorities relating to
awareness and education, infrastructure road-mapping, and enabling hydrogen projects. 67

CSPC The CSPC is a non-profit and non-partisan organisation that operates as a hub to assist the
development of effective science and innovation policy through four pillars of action:
Canadian Science
convening; connecting stakeholders including scientists, society sectors, and international
Policy Centre
organisations; building capacity by offering science policy training; and catalysing research in
areas of science policy. 68

The Transition The Transition Accelerator is a pan-Canadian charity that seeks to support Canada’s
Accelerator transition to a net zero future. The Accelerator brings together innovators, progressive
industry, and researchers. Developing Canada’s hydrogen economy is one of the
Accelerators current priorities. 69 The Accelerator is part of Alberta’s Industrial Heartland
Hydrogen Task Force (AIHH). 70

1.3.3 Funding mechanisms

Overview of Canada’s hydrogen public budget allocations

The Canadian Government continues to prioritise science and technology RD&D, which is reflected in
government expenditure and budget allocations. In FY 2019/2020, government expenditure on science and
technology activities – which includes R&D projects – reached CAD 12.8 billion. 71 R&D activities accounted
for 60.9% of science and technology expenditure in FY 2019/2020 and increased by 3.3% to CAD
7.8 billion. 72

65
FuelCellsWorks (2020) Canadian Hydrogen and fuel Cell Sector Applauds National Strategy Released by Federal Government, FuelCellsWork.
https://fuelcellsworks.com/news/canadian-hydrogen-and-fuel-cell-sector-applauds-national-strategy-released-by-federal-government/
66
HBCoC (2021) Our Word & Events http://www.h2gta.ca/our_work_events/
67
FuelCellsWorks (2020) Canadian Hydrogen and fuel Cell Sector Applauds National Strategy Released by Federal Government, FuelCellsWork.
https://fuelcellsworks.com/news/canadian-hydrogen-and-fuel-cell-sector-applauds-national-strategy-released-by-federal-government/
68
CSPC (2018) Canadian Science Policy Centre Strategic Plan: Strengthening science through Convening, Connecting, Capacity Building and
Catalysing. < https://cdn.sciencepolicy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/cspc_strategicplan_01_digital_03_21_2018_1.pdf>
69
https://transitionaccelerator.ca/our-work/hydrogen/
70
https://transitionaccelerator.ca/our-work/hydrogen/alberta-industrial-heartland-hydrogen-task-force/
Statistics Canada (2021) Federal government spending on science and technology, 2021/2022.
71

https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/210610/dq210610e-eng.htm
72
Statistics Canada (2021) Federal government spending on science and technology, 2021/2022.
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/210610/dq210610e-eng.htm

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The NRC estimates that between CAD 5 to 7 billion of public and private sector investment will be
necessary to sufficiently develop Canada’s hydrogen economy. 73 However, the 2020 Hydrogen Strategy for
Canada 74 notes that both public and private sector funding for hydrogen RD&D has fallen since 2012. 75 This
figure is not specific to RD&D but is an estimate of total expenditure required to develop the hydrogen
industry more broadly. More recently, Canada’s 2021 budget allocated CAD 5 billion to the Net Zero
Accelerator initiative, which accelerates clean technology R&D. 76
In addition to increasing hydrogen funding commitments and budget allocations, the Hydrogen Strategy
also recommends the following measures to ‘de-risk’ investments and stimulate hydrogen RD&D
expenditure: 77
• Implementing long-term policies which increase market demand for hydrogen, thus de-risking private
sector investment;
• Facilitating co-funding opportunities with key stakeholders, including international public and private-
sector collaborations; and
• Establishing strong procurement policies, which may increase the viability of demonstration projects.

Public funding mechanisms for hydrogen RD&D

Canada has well-established RD&D funding mechanisms, many of which are administered by government
bodies and funding agencies including the NRC IRAP and NSERC. 78 Key funding mechanisms, including
funding calls administered by government agencies, are outlined in Table 6 below.

Table 6: Federal-level R&D funding mechanisms

Program Type Details International eligibility

to participate

Canada Demonstration; Whilst not hydrogen-specific, the Canada No data.

Infrastructure Commercialisation Infrastructure Bank’s role is to provide funding
Bank (CIB) 79 to revenue-generating infrastructure projects
that are in the public interest. This includes
projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions
and facilitate the transition to net-zero
emissions, such as hydrogen production
projects.

73
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
74
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
75
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
76
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
77
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
78
Karaca A and Dincer I (2021) An updated overview of Canada’s hydrogen related research and development activities. Hydrogen Energy
Publications LLC. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2021.07.235
79
CIB (2021) Home page. https://cib-bic.ca/en/

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 19
 Program Type Details International eligibility
to participate
However, funding is limited to revenue-
generating projects at the commercialisation or
deployment stage.
CAD 35 billion has been allocated to fund
infrastructure projects. It is hoped this funding
will attract further private and institutional
investment in Canada.

Strategic R&D A part of the Strategic Innovation Fund, the Net Potentially. Various
Innovation Zero Accelerator initiative seeks to promote conditions apply
Fund (Net-Zero R&D, facilitate increased investment, and depending on the
Accelerator) 80 support national deployment of clean stream; however, the
technology. 81 The initiative will allocate CAD 8 Lead applicant must be
billion to fund decarbonisation and clean- a Canadian entity. 83
technology R&D and commercialisation projects
– including hydrogen – across the following
focus areas: 82
• Decarbonisation of large and hard-to-
abate emitters;
• Clean-technology and industrial
transformation;
• Battery innovation and the industrial
ecosystem more broadly.

Low and Zero- RD&D; The Low-Carbon and Zero Emissions Fuels Fund No. Eligible applicants
Carbon Fuels Commercialisation provides funding to RD&D and must be incorporated
Fund commercialisation projects to increase the or registered in Canada.
production and utilisation of low-carbon fuels,
including hydrogen.
CAD 1.5 billion in funding is available for
allocation.

Energy RD&D The EIP funds RD&D projects which accelerate No. Eligible applicants
Innovation clean energy technologies. Administered by must be incorporated
Program (EIP) OERD, the EIP runs targeted funding calls. 84
(NRCAN)

80
Environment and Climate Change Canada (2020) A healthy environment and a healthy economy: Canada’s strengthened climate plan to create
jobs and support people, communities and the planet, Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/eccc/documents/pdf/climate-
change/climate-plan/healthy_environment_healthy_economy_plan.pdf
81
Government of Canada (2021) Net Zero Initiative, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.
https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/125.nsf/eng/00039.html
82
Environment and Climate Change Canada (2020) A healthy environment and a healthy economy: Canada’s strengthened climate plan to create
jobs and support people, communities and the planet, Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/eccc/documents/pdf/climate-
change/climate-plan/healthy_environment_healthy_economy_plan.pdf
83
Government of Canada (2021) Strategic Innovation Fund – Program Guide, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.
https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/125.nsf/eng/00007.html#b
84
NRCan (2021) Energy Innovation Program, Government of Canada. https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/science-and-data/funding-partnerships/funding-
opportunities/funding-grants-incentives/energy-innovation-program/18876

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 20
 Program Type Details International eligibility
to participate
An example of a funding call is the ‘Clean Fuels or registered in
and Industrial Switching’ program, which is Canada. 86
accepting applications up to 2 February 2022.
Key focus areas for this funding call include: 85
• Industrial fuel switching;
• Clean fuels production; and
• Hydrogen codes and standards.
CAD 53 million is available for allocation.

Sustainable RD&D; Whilst not hydrogen-specific, the Clean Tech No. Eligible applicants
Development Commercialisation Fund provides funding to a variety of clean must be a registered
Technology technology companies seeking to start or scale company in Canada. 88
Canada – Clean up RD&D, market research, commercialisation,
Tech Fund or deployment activities.
(SDTC) 87
Since 2001, the Fund has invested CAD 1.38
billion in 460 companies.

Alliance Grants R&D The Alliance Grants have replaced several Potentially, but must
(NSERC) research partnerships, including the have a minimum 3-year
Collaborative Research and Development (CRD) contract at a Canadian
Grants and the Strategic Partnership Grants institute or university
(SPG). 89 upon applying. 92
The Alliance grants are funded by the NSERC for
university researchers collaborating with
research partners from the public, private and
not-for-profit sectors. 90 Grants range from CAD
20,000 to 1 million per year for one to five
years. 91 These grants are not hydrogen-specific
but are aligned with Canada’s key R&D areas, of
which hydrogen is included.

85
BRCan (2021) Energy Innovation Program – Clean Fuels and Industrial Fuel Switching. https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/science-and-data/funding-
partnerships/funding-opportunities/funding-grants-incentives/energy-innovation-program/energy-innovation-program-clean-fuels-and-industrial-
fuel-switching/23956
86
NRCan (2021) Innovation and Clean Growth Research, Development, and Demonstration Programs, Government of Canada.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/science-data/funding-partnerships/funding-opportunities/funding-grants-incentives/energy-innovation-
program/innovation-and-clean-growth-research-development-and-demonstration-programs/20024
87
SDTC (2020) Clean Tech Fund. https://www.sdtc.ca/en/cleantech-fund/
88
SDTC (2020) Clean Tech Fund. https://www.sdtc.ca/en/cleantech-fund/
89
NSERC (2019) Strategic Partnership Grants, Government of Canada. https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/professors-professeurs/rpp-pp/spg-
sps_eng.asp
90
NSERC (2021) Alliance Grants, Government of Canada. https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/innovate-innover/alliance-alliance/index_eng.asp
91
NSERC (2021) Alliance Grants, Government of Canada. https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/innovate-innover/alliance-alliance/index_eng.asp
92
NSERC (2021) Eligibility Criteria for Faculty, Government of Canada. https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/NSERC-CRSNG/Eligibility-Admissibilite/faculty-
corpsprof_eng.asp

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 21
 Program Type Details International eligibility
to participate

Business Demonstration; The Business Development Bank of Canada No data.

Development Commercialisation (BDC) funds equity and commercial loans to
Bank of Canada clean technology companies that have market-
Clean Tech ready or at-scale products. The BDC has
Practice committed CAD 600 million over the 2018-2023
period. 93

Clean Fuels RD&D; The CFF is administered by NRCan. The CAD 1.5 No. Eligible applicants
Fund (CFF) Commercialisation billion fund was established to overcome key must be incorporated
barriers identified in Canada’s hydrogen or registered in
(NRCAN)
strategy; particularly the lack of private Canada. 96
investors willing to back expensive projects with
high capital without a proven market. 94 There
are three core components of the fund
designed to support various aspects of the
RD&D process; the first two of these
components will be delivered through the
NRCan Clean Fuels Program: 95
• CAD 1.38 billion to support the
construction, upgrade and expansion of
facilities associated with clean energy; and
any related feasibility, engineering and
front-end engineering and design (FEED)
studies.
• CAD 30.4 million to aid to development of
biomass supply chains and related
feasibility assessments.
• CAD 19.4 million to support the first two
components through the development of
codes, standards and regulations
associated with clean fuel technologies.
Funding is provided through conditionally
repayable contribution agreements up to 30%
of project cost.

Ontario Clean Development; Up to CAD 15,000 available for Canadian SMEs No. Eligible applicants
Technology Demonstration; that are developing or have developed a must be incorporated
Industry Commercialisation technology or service that can be used in the or registered in Canada.
Association – hydrogen value chain.

93
BDC (2021) Cleantech firms: Capital and advice for every stage of growth. https://www.bdc.ca/en/i-am/clean-technology-firms
94
NRCan (2021) Clean Fuels Fund - Building New Domestic Production Capacity, Government of Canada. https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/climate-
change/canadas-green-future/clean-fuels-fund/clean-fuels-fund-building-new-domestic-production-capacity/23726
95
NRCan (2021) Clean Fuels Program – Building New Domestic Production Capacity, Government of Canada.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/nrcan/files/energy/clean/CFP%20Applicant's%20Guide.pdf
96
NRCan (2021) Clean Fuels Program frequently asked questions - Building new domestic production capacity, Government of Canada.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/climate-change/canadas-green-future/clean-fuels-fund/clean-fuels-fund-building-new-domestic-production-
capacity/climate-changecanadas-green-futureclean-fuels-fundclean-fuels-fund-building-new-domes

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 22
 Program Type Details International eligibility
to participate
Hydrogen
Connect

Export Demonstration; Provides project financing to Canadian No data.

Development Commercialisation companies seeking to undertake high-impact
Canada (EDC) clean technology projects overseas.

Electric Vehicle Development; The Electric Vehicle Infrastructure No. Eligible applicants
Infrastructure Demonstration Demonstration (EVID) is allocating up to $76M must be incorporated
Demonstration (2016 to 2024) to support the demonstrations or registered in Canada.
(EVID) Program of next-generation and innovative ZEV charging
and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.
(NRCAN)

Electric Vehicle Deployment Under NRCan, this initiative provides CAD 96.4 Yes, must be a legal
and Alternative million over six years (April 2016 to March entity incorporated or
Fuel 2022) for the establishment of refuelling registered either within
Infrastructure infrastructure, including the deployment of Canada or abroad. 97
Deployment hydrogen refuelling stations.
Initiative
(NRCAN)

Zero Emission Deployment Under NRCan, this CAD 280 million program No data.
Vehicle was established to address the lack of charging
Infrastructure and refuelling stations in Canada. The funding is
Program delivered through cost-sharing contribution
(ZEVIP) agreements for selected projects.
(NRCAN)

Table 7: Provincial-level R&D funding mechanisms

Program Funding International eligibility

to participate

Advanced Research and Commercialisation (ARC) Program 98 CAD 4.18 million as Potentially.
per 2020 funding call.
In September 2018, the British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Eligible applicants must
Mines and Petroleum Resources launched the Advanced Individual grants be incorporated or
Research and Commercialisation (ARC) Program. The Program average between registered in Canada,
provides British Columbia-based companies with individual CAD 200,000 – however. There may be
grants to undertake RD&D and commercialisation activities for 250,000 avenues to participate as
zero-emission vehicles, including hydrogen FCEVs. a member of consortia
operating in BC. 99

97
NRCan (2021) Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Initiative – Eligibility. https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy-
efficiency/transportation-alternative-fuels/electric-and-alternative-fuel-infrastructure/electric-vehicle-alternative-fuels-infrastructure-deployment-
init/eligibility/20197
98
Accessible Resource Centre – British Columbia (ARCBC) (2020) Home. https://arcbc.ca/
99
ARC (n.d.) ABOUT ARC. <https://arcbc.ca/about/>; ARC (n.d.) SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS. https://arcbc.ca/how-to-apply/

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 23
Funding for International hydrogen RD&D
Canada provides several funding mechanisms for joint RD&D collaborations and for Canadian technology
commercialisation overseas. While several of these mechanisms are general in nature, many have
supported hydrogen initiatives in the past, and could support hydrogen related projects going forward.

Program Funding International eligibility

to participate

The Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP) The program funds No.
up to 50% of eligible
The Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) of Global Affairs Canada
costs with a cap of
has developed the Canadian International innovation Program
CAD 600,000. 101
(CIIP) which supports Canadian companies to pursue
international R&D in collaboration with foreign partners on
projects with potential for commercialisation. Partner
countries under this program are Brazil, China, India, Israel and
South Korea. 100
Recent calls for proposals have included some hydrogen
related topics such as clean fuels, clean mobility, transport
infrastructure, renewable energy and energy storage.

Canadian Technology Accelerators (CTA) 102 The program has Potentially.

raised a total of $742
The TCS offers Canadian Technology Accelerators in the areas Support is provided to
million in capital.
of cleantech; digital industries and information and Canadian companies.
communications technologies (ICT); and life sciences and
digital health. Projects under the cleantech area can include
hydrogen projects.
The program currently has 12 global tech hubs, 1,200 strategic
partnerships.
For details on recent hydrogen-related projects under the CTA,
see Section 1.5.3 Canada’s joint international RD&D projects.

Going Global Innovation 103 Up to 75% of eligible Potentially.

expenses, capped at
Provided by the TCS, this program supports Canadian SMEs, Support is only provided
CAD 75,000.
universities and non-governmental research centres to to Canadian SMEs,
undertake collaborative RD&D overseas. This program is however other countries
focused on commercialisation of Canadian technologies are a potential location
overseas that will generate revenue in the short term. for the
commercialisation of
In 2019 roughly 18% of funded projects were related to clean
Canadian technologies.
technologies.

100
TCS (2021) Canadian International Innovation Program, Global Affairs Canada. https://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/funding-financement/ciip-
pcii/index.aspx?lang=eng&_ga=2.42316195.707757921.1638324339-1230572738.1638324339
101
Canadian Government (2022) Collaborative research and development projects. CIIP. https://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/funding-
financement/ciip-pcii/crdp-pcrd.aspx?lang=eng
102
TCS (2021) Canadian Technology Accelerators, Global Affairs Canada. https://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/cta-atc/index.aspx?lang=eng
103
TCS (2021) Program Expands the reach of Canadian Innovation, Global Affairs Canada.
https://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/canadexport/0003487.aspx?lang=eng

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 24
 Program Funding International eligibility
to participate

The NSERC offers several international grants for joint RD&D: CRD: The cap for Yes.
project grants are
• NSERC Collaborative Research and Development grant CRD partners must
CAD 500,000 per
(CRD): 104 supports collaborations between universities, collaborate on all stages
project.
private sector and public sector within the domains of of the project (including
science and engineering. Topics bust be of mutual SNG: Funding is proposal) and contribute
industrial relevance and benefit. partners on topics of between CAD to direct project costs. 107
mutual interest. 500,000 – 1,000,000
SNG allows foreign
for five years.
• NSERC Strategic Network Grant (SNG): Supports 105 universities or
RD&D in complex areas involve multiple sectors. Support SPG: Funding is companies to join the
is tied to topics that will provide a positive economic, between CAD 60,000 networks. No data on
social or environmental impact to Canada within a 10 – 250,000 for five financial contribution
year timeframe. years. requirements. 108

• NSERC Strategic Project Grant (SPG): 106 Supports early- SPG allows foreign
stage project research. Support is tied to topics that will universities or
provide a positive economic, social or environmental companies to
impact to Canada within a 10 year timeframe. collaborate on projects.
No data on financial
contribution
requirements. 109

Private funding for hydrogen RD&D

The Canadian private sector actively funds hydrogen RD&D activities and projects across the value chain. In
the 2020 financial year, energy-specific private sector R&D expenditure was CAD 1.7 billion. Of this, CAD 65
million was spent on hydrogen and hydrogen fuel cell technology R&D. 110

1.3.4 Other key hydrogen policies, regulation and legislation

In addition to governance, strategy and funding mechanisms for hydrogen RD&D programs, Canada has
several key policies, regulations and laws to incentivise the development and commercialisation of
hydrogen technology across the value chain.

104
NSERC (2020) Collaborative Research and Development Grants
(including DND/NSERC Research Partnership Grants). https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/professors-professeurs/rpp-pp/crd-rdc_eng.asp
105
TCS (2021) Bi-/Multilateral Research Project-based Cooperation, Global Affairs Canada. https://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/innovators-
innovateurs/141547.aspx?lang=eng
106
TCS (2021) Bi-/Multilateral Research Project-based Cooperation, Global Affairs Canada. https://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/innovators-
innovateurs/141547.aspx?lang=eng
107
NSERC (2020) Collaborative Research and Development Grants
(including DND/NSERC Research Partnership Grants). https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/professors-professeurs/rpp-pp/crd-rdc_eng.asp
108
TCS (2021) Bi-/Multilateral Research Project-based Cooperation, Global Affairs Canada. https://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/innovators-
innovateurs/141547.aspx?lang=eng
109
TCS (2021) Bi-/Multilateral Research Project-based Cooperation, Global Affairs Canada. https://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/innovators-
innovateurs/141547.aspx?lang=eng
110
Statistics Canada (2021) Characteristics of research and development in Canadian industry, Government of Canada.
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/71-607-x/71-607-x2019016-eng.htm

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 25
At both a federal and provincial-level, there is a lack of hydrogen-specific laws and regulatory frameworks.
However, there are existing provincial-level laws and regulations which tangentially regulate and incentivise
hydrogen RD&D and commercialisation. The Federal Government has recognised that without centralised,
sector-specific regulatory frameworks, it will be difficult to achieve the country’s hydrogen targets as well
as its net-zero ambitions more broadly. 111 As such, work is currently underway to prepare a suite of
hydrogen-specific laws, policies and regulatory frameworks which incentivise and facilitate RD&D and
commercialisation. 112

Regulations, laws and policies

Canada has existing climate-related regulations and laws which tangentially de-risk investment and
therefore incentivise and facilitate hydrogen RD&D and commercialisation. These are as follows:
• The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act establishes Canada’s federal emissions reduction
targets in law and legislates new oversight and accountability mechanisms to monitor progress. 113
• The Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act which establishes a federal carbon pricing system. As of
2022, the minimum carbon price (the ‘benchmark’) will be CAD 50 per tonne. 114 Under the federal
carbon pricing system, each province and territory has a remit to develop their own pricing system –
but only if the price meets the federal benchmark – otherwise the federal pricing system applies in
those regions by default. 115
• The Clean Fuel Standard, which will create a credit trading scheme and require liquid fossil fuel
suppliers (such as gasoline, diesel and home heating) to reduce the Carbon Intensity (CI) by 13% on
2016 levels by 2030. 116 That is, to reduce the amount of cumulative CO2 emissions produced over the
fuel’s entire lifecycle, in relation to energy produced by the fuel during usage.

Technical standards
In addition to ISO standards, various domestic safety and technical codes regulate aspects of the hydrogen
value chain, which may therefore impact RD&D and commercialisation activities. For example:
• The Transport of Dangerous Goods regulations outline minimum safety standards and technical
specifications for the transport of dangerous goods, including hydrogen. 117
• CAN/CSA B51 Boiler Pressure Vessel and Pressure Piping Code outlines requirements for high-
pressure cylinders used in automotive storage of natural gas, hydrogen blended gas, and hydrogen

111
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
112
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
113
Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment (2021) Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act. https://climate-
laws.org/geographies/canada/laws/canadian-net-zero-emissions-accountability-act
Government of Canada (2021) Carbon polluting pricing systems across Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-
114

change/services/climate-change/pricing-pollution-how-it-will-work.html
115
Government of Canada (2021) Carbon polluting pricing systems across Canada, Government of Canada.
https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/climate-change/pricing-pollution-how-it-will-work.html
116
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
117
Girard M (2021) CETA & CANADA STANDARDS 101: Supporting EU business in Canada. Commissioned by the EU Delegation in Canada.
https://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2021/february/tradoc_159450.pdf

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 26
 fuel. The code also outlines requirements for hydrogen refuelling station piping systems and ground
storage vessels. 118
• CSA Z662:19 Oil and Gas pipeline system standards, which outlines standards and technical
specifications for oil and gas pipeline infrastructure.
• CAN/BNQ 1784-000 Canadian Hydrogen Installation Code, approved by the Standards Council of
Canada (SCC), establishes installation requirements for hydrogen generating and powered equipment,
dispensing infrastructure, hydrogen storage containers, piping systems and related infrastructure. 119
However, the Canadian hydrogen strategy has identified gaps in current technical standards, specifications
and codes. For example, there is currently no technical specifications for hydrogen injection and natural gas
blending, which will slow network adoption. A broad range of hydrogen-specific technical standards are
currently being developed by the Standards Council of Canada in conjunction with various provincial and
regional governments and ISO/TC 197 – the ISO hydrogen technologies technical committee.

Provinces and Territories

Provinces and territories have their own laws and regulations which tangentially regulate the hydrogen
value chain and incentivise RD&D. Whilst a comprehensive legal analysis of each province and territories’
laws is beyond the scope of this paper, these generally relate to the following thematic areas:
• Low-carbon and clean fuel standards, such as British Columbia’s The Greenhouse Gas Reduction
(Renewable and Low Carbon Fuel Requirements) Act and Quebec’s Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV)
standard; 120
• Technical and safety specifications; and
• Environmental impact assessment obligations – such as Québec’s Environment Quality Act which
requires an environmental impact assessment to be undertaken – and authorised by the Québec
Minister of the Environment and the Fight against Climate Change – prior to the construction of
hydrogen production projects. 121

Canada’s domestic hydrogen RD&D projects

A significant number of hydrogen-related RD&D projects are currently underway in Canada. Many of these
projects are funded by centralised research programs, sponsored by the National Research Council of
Canada or coordinated by provincial-level governments and agencies.

118
Techstreet Store (2019) CSA B51:19. https://www.techstreet.com/standards/csa-b51-19?product_id=2042685
119
SCC-CCN (2020) Search Standards: Hydrogen. https://www.scc.ca/en/search/standardsdb/Hydrogen?page=1
120
Crossman T and Adamson P (2021) The Environment and Climate Change Law Review: Canada, the Law Reviews.
https://thelawreviews.co.uk/title/the-environment-and-climate-change-law-review/canada#footnote-006
121
MELCC (2021) The organisation and its commitments. < https://www.quebec.ca/en/government/ministere/environnement/statutes-and-
regulations>; Québec Government (2021) Environment Quality Act. Publications Québec.
<https://www.quebec.ca/en/government/ministere/environnement/statutes-and-regulations>

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 27
1.4.1 Major domestic hydrogen RD&D projects

Projects led by government bodies

Advanced Clean Energy Program: Hydrogen

Hydrogen is a key pillar of the NRC’s Advanced Clean Energy Program. The program fosters collaboration
with industry to develop technologies which produce, distribute and utilise low-carbon hydrogen.
The Program welcomes collaboration from industry, standards organisations, governmental bodies,
academia and global R&D organisations. Key focus areas of the program are outlined in Table 8.

Table 8: Advanced Clean Energy Program – hydrogen research areas 122

Value chain Sub-technology and research areas International eligibility

area to participate

Production • Electrolysis No data.

• Catalytic and biological technologies
• Hydrogen purification (particularly membrane-based and
electrochemical technologies)

Distribution • Pipeline conversion, capability and natural gas blending testing

and storage • Sensors to detect and measure hydrogen
• Development of standards, codes and material evaluation
frameworks

System • Multi-scale, validated modelling

integration • Techno-economic and lifecycle analysis modelling to facilitate
and utilisation decision-making
• Development of technical specifications, safety regulations and
codes for system integration
• Safety assessments
• Conversion technologies, including fuel cells, combustion and
chemical conversion

Materials for Clean Fuels Challenge 123

The NRC’s Material for Clean Fuels Challenge program, which will run from 2019 to 2026, aims to accelerate
the R&D and commercialisation of ‘high-risk, high-reward’ technologies which produce feedstock chemicals
and fuels from air and water. 124 At a high level, the aim of the Challenge is to advance technologies as
quickly as possible from low technology readiness levels to commercialisation. 125 ‘Industrial-scale hydrogen

122
NRCan (2021) Advanced Clean Energy Program: Hydrogen, Government of Canada. https://nrc.canada.ca/en/research-development/research-
collaboration/programs/advanced-clean-energy-program-hydrogen
123
NRCan (2021) Materials for Clean Fuels Challenge program, Government of Canada. https://nrc.canada.ca/en/research-development/research-
collaboration/programs/materials-clean-fuels-challenge-program
124
NRCan (2021) Materials for Clean Fuels Challenge program, Government of Canada. https://nrc.canada.ca/en/research-development/research-
collaboration/programs/materials-clean-fuels-challenge-program
125
NRCan (2021) Materials for Clean Fuels Challenge program, Government of Canada. https://nrc.canada.ca/en/research-development/research-
collaboration/programs/materials-clean-fuels-challenge-program

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 28
production’ is a key area of focus for the Challenge. Hydrogen-related projects, in collaboration with NRC
researchers, which have been funded by the program are outlined in Table 9 below: 126

Table 9: Projects funded under the Materials for Clean Fuels Challenge program

Project title Partner(s) NRC funding International eligibility to

participate

‘High performance membrane NRC; CAD 534,000 Yes. Grant and contribution
electrode assemblies for alkaline solid Forschungszentrum funding is available for
electrolyte water electrolysers’ Julich GmBh international collaborators
where there is a benefit to
‘Development and testing of a pulse NRC; Ekona Power Canada.
methane pyrolysis (PMP) reactor and Inc.
CAD 468,000 While the first round of
brass-board system for clean hydrogen
projects has already been
production’
selected, there will be
opportunities in future
‘Advanced electrolysis for chemical NRC; The
rounds.
production and clean fuels’ University of British
CAD 548,090
Columbia

‘In situ and operando characterisation NRC; McMaster

of catalyst and electrode structures for University
CAD 480,579
electrochemical CO2 reduction’

‘Converting carbon solutions into value- NRC; The

added chemicals using a bicarbonate University of British
CAD 486,778
electrolyser’ Columbia

‘The environmental and techno- NRC; The

economic assessments of carbon Governors of the
CAD 541,200
conversion technologies’ University of
Calgary

‘Renewable hydrogen through NRC; The

photocatalytic CO2 reduction’ University of British
CAD 486,778
Columbia

‘A materials acceleration platform for NRC; The

the development of membrane University of British
CAD 1,203,433
electrode assemblies’ Columbia

126
NRCan (2021) Materials for Clean Fuels Challenge program, Government of Canada. https://nrc.canada.ca/en/research-development/research-
collaboration/programs/materials-clean-fuels-challenge-program

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 29
Alberta
Natural Gas Challenge 127
In 2021, Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) announced CAD 58.4 million in funding under the Natural Gas
Challenge. The Challenge funded 20 RD&D projects that seek to increase cost-effectiveness and reduce
emissions from Alberta’s natural gas sector. 128 Hydrogen-related projects funded by the Challenge are
outlined in Table 10. Submissions to this program are now closed.

Table 10: Hydrogen-related projects funded by the Natural Gas Challenge 129

Project title Partner(s) ERA funding

Fort Saskatchewan Hydrogen Blending ATCO Gas and

Pipelines Ltd.
A pilot project to test the efficiency of hydrogen in ATCO’s natural CAD 2.8 million
gas infrastructure. More specifically, the project will test equipment
and assess the suitability of legislation, codes and standards.

R&D and pilot-stage testing of a Tri-Generation Pyrolysis (TGP) Ekona Power Inc.
system for clean hydrogen production
CAD 5 million
Development of a prototype method to convert natural gas to
hydrogen and a solid carbon by-product. This may be a new clean
hydrogen production method.

New-wave hydrogen production Standing Wave

Reformers Inc.
R&D, techno-economic analysis, demonstration and CAD 3 million
commercialisation of deployment plans for a new natural gas
decarbonisation system

Hydrogen centre of excellence CAD 50 million

Advancing hydrogen-competition One is the first round of funding
available with the goal of developing and deploying hydrogen-
focused technologies to strengthen a clean hydrogen economy in
Alberta. 130

127
Emissions Reduction Alberta (2021) Natural Gas Challenge: Unlocking Innovation Across Alberta’s Value Chain. https://eralberta.ca/funding-
technology/natural-gas-challenge-unlocking-innovation-across-albertas-value-chain/
128
Emissions Reduction Alberta (2021) Natural Gas Challenge: Unlocking Innovation Across Alberta’s Value Chain. https://eralberta.ca/funding-
technology/natural-gas-challenge-unlocking-innovation-across-albertas-value-chain/
129
Emissions Reduction Alberta (2021) Natural Gas Challenge: Unlocking Innovation Across Alberta’s Value Chain. https://eralberta.ca/funding-
technology/natural-gas-challenge-unlocking-innovation-across-albertas-value-chain/
130
https://albertainnovates.ca/programs/advancing-hydrogen-competition-one/

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 30
Projects by consortia
• In November 2020, Enbridge Gas Inc. and Cummins Inc. announced a CAD 5.2 million demonstration
whereby up to 2% hydrogen was to be blended into a portion of an already existing natural gas
network owned by Enbridge Gas in Markham Ontario. 131 The demonstration is supported by
Sustainable Development Technology Canada (STDC). 132 Hydrogen production from renewables will be
generated at a power-to-gas electrolysis facility within Markham that was established through a
partnership between the two corporations in 2018 with the support of the Province of Ontario. 133
The current project was announced to serve approximately 3,600 clients in 2021, however, there have
been no updates to date.
• In July 2020, ATCO Gas and Pipelines Limited announced the first hydrogen blending project in
Alberta, with up to 5% hydrogen blended into a portion of the Fort Saskatchewan natural gas system.
The project will involve the construction of a hydrogen production unit with commissioning expected
to occur September-November 2022. 134 To date the project has received CAD 2.8 million from the
Emission Reductions Alberta (ERA) Natural Gas Challenge. 135
• Moreover, both British Columbia and Quebec have enacted provincial policies that have stimulated
RD&D pilots for the blending of hydrogen into the natural gas grid; British Columbia largely through its
CleanBC Initiative and Quebec through its renewable fuel mandates. 136

1.4.2 Canada’s hydrogen RD&D clusters

Canada’s strategy includes developing regional hydrogen clusters (also referred to as hubs, valleys or
ecosystems) incorporating full value chains at scale by 2025. By 2030 Canada wants to expand these hubs,
establish corridor connections and initiate new hubs. By 2050 Canada hopes to achieve a full rollout and
inter-provincial trade and cooperation between regional hubs. 137
While the majority of Canadian states have hydrogen related activity occurring within their borders, the
four provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec host the majority of RD&D efforts within
the scope of the hydrogen value chain. 138 These provinces also host most of Canada’s of hydrogen and fuel
cell SMEs who are contributing the development of these clusters. 139

131
NS Energy (2020) Enbridge Gas to pilot hydrogen blending to green gas grid in Ontario, NS Energy Business.
https://www.nsenergybusiness.com/news/enbridge-gas-hydrogen-blending-pilot-project/
132
Enbridge Gas Inc. (2020) Enbridge Gas announces a $5.2M Hydrogen Blending Pilot Project to further explore greening of the natural gas grid,
Cision. https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/enbridge-gas-announces-a-5-2m-hydrogen-blending-pilot-project-to-further-explore-greening-of-
the-natural-gas-grid-849137548.html
133
Lalach J and Bellini A (2021) Canada: How About Some Clean, Green Hydrogen With That Natural Gas? Gowling WLG,
https://www.mondaq.com/canada/renewables/1078758/how-about-some-clean-green-hydrogen-with-that-natural-gas-
134
ATCO (2021) Natural Gas: Hydrogen. https://www.atco.com/en-ca/for-home/natural-gas/hydrogen.html
135
Government of Alberta (2021) Hydrogen Blending Project. https://majorprojects.alberta.ca/details/Hydrogen-Blending-Project/4169
136
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf; FortisBC (2020)
FortisBC takes significant step towards implementing hydrogen in the natural gas system, Cision. https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/fortisbc-
takes-significant-step-towards-implementing-hydrogen-in-the-natural-gas-system-820738965.html; Renewable Industries Canada (2017)
Statement regarding the Quebec Government’s 2017-2020 Action Plan under the 2030 Energy Policy. http://ricanada.org/wp-
content/uploads/2017/06/Quebec-Government-2017-2020-Action-Plan-Announcement-EN.pdf
137
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
138
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
139
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 31
 Figure 4: Canada’s existing and emerging hydrogen clusters 140

Province Projects/Notes

British Hydra Energy Corporation Commercial Demonstration Project: This project will capture and purify
Columbia waste hydrogen, for use in 53 hydrogen internal combustion engine (H2-ICE) trucks. The company
(BC) will collaboration with UBC around fuel efficiency improvements and emissions reductions. 141
The UBC Renewable Energy Hub: Announced in May 2021, UBC will establish an energy innovation
hub at the University of British Columbia which is set to convert a ‘city-sized’ block of the university
campus into a smart energy district. This project will also involve the production of renewable
hydrogen using an on-site advanced solar array, and a hydrogen refuelling station. 142
Many of BC’s initiatives and industrial practices are being supported by a cluster of BC-based
hydrogen clean-tech companies that are driving progress towards the goals of the CleanBC initiative
(BC’s climate action plan) and BC’s provincial hydrogen strategy. 143

Alberta Quest CCUS project: CCUS initiatives are currently underway with Alberta’s Quest CCUS project,
which produces hydrogen by steam methane reformation and captures the resulting CO2 emissions.
Alberta Carbon Trunk Line (ACTL) also facilitate CCUS uptake. 144 Northwest Redwater Sturgeon
Refinery produces blue hydrogen from refinery bottom gasification, separates the CO2 and supplies
the clean hydrogen to the ACTL

140
Adapted from NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action,
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
141
Mitacs (2021) Development and Demonstration Engine Technology for Class 8 Heavy Duty Trucks Fuelled by Waste Hydrogen.
https://www.mitacs.ca/en/projects/development-and-demonstration-engine-technology-class-8-heavy-duty-trucks-fueled-waste
142
UBC (2021) UBC Renewable Energy Hub. https://research.apsc.ubc.ca/initiatives/integrated-energy-testbed/
143
Government of British Columbia (2021) Clean-tech companies put B.C.’s Hydrogen Strategy into Action, BC Gov News.
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021EMLI0051-001650
144
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 32
 Province Projects/Notes

Fort Saskatchewan Blending Project: With regard to pipeline initiatives, the Fort Saskatchewan
Blending Project is currently underway to test the blending of hydrogen into residential natural gas
distribution systems. Similarly, the Alberta Industrial Heartland Hydrogen Task Force has access to
an existing hydrogen pipeline and two CO2 pipelines. However, its mission is broader: to bring
together production, distribution, and supply industries in the area. With access to these pipelines,
natural gas, CCUS sites, and its location in a geographical area with great potential demand across
transport, heating and electrical sectors, this task force represents an example of an early hub for
deployment of hydrogen technology. 145
Alberta Zero Emissions Truck Electrification Collaboration (AZETEC): AZETEC is a key pilot project
currently operating to better understand the ability of hydrogen to fuel heavy freight transport. The
project is demonstrating the design, manufacture, and operation of two long-range fuel cell electric
trucks and the supporting hydrogen-fuelling infrastructure for operation between Calgary and
Edmonton Alberta. 146

Ontario The Markham 2.5MW Power-to-Gas Project: The project is a joint venture between Cummins and
Enbridge with support from the Ontario Province, that produces renewable hydrogen to help
manage supply-and-demand imbalances related to the Ontario electricity grid. 147
The Enbridge and Cummins Hydrogen-Blending Project: Announced in 2020, the pilot project that
will blend hydrogen produced from renewables at the Markham plant into the Enbridge natural gas
network. 148
The Sarnia hydrogen facility: This facility participates in hydrogen production, liquefaction and
distribution via a 30km pipeline. The facility was constructed in Sarnia in 2006 and is owned and
operated by Air Products Canada. 149
Pan-Canadian Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Bus Demonstration and Integration Trail: This project is
Canada’s first fuel cell electric bus (FCEB) trial utilising hydrogen produced from renewables. 150
The Metrolinx Hydrail Feasibility Study: This feasibility study discusses the viability of using
hydrogen fuel cells in the GO Transit network. 151
The Bruce Country Nuclear to Hydrogen Study: This feasibility study investigating the role of
nuclear power in supporting a growing hydrogen economy. 152

145
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
Government of Alberta (2021) Alberta Hydrogen Roadmap. https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/d7749512-25dc-43a5-86f1-
146

e8b5aaec7db4/resource/538a7827-9d13-4b06-9d1d-d52b851c8a2a/download/energy-alberta-hydrogen-roadmap-2021.pdf
147
Cummins Inc. (2020) In its Second Year, North America’s First Multi-Megawatt Power-To-Gas Facility Shows Hydrogen’s Potential. Cummins
Newsroom. https://www.cummins.com/news/2020/11/12/its-second-year-north-americas-first-multi-megawatt-power-gas-facility-shows
148
Enbridge (2020) Groundbreaking $5.2M hydrogen blending project aims to green Ontario’s natural gas grid, @Endridge Blog.
https://www.enbridge.com/Stories/2020/November/Enbridge-Gas-and-Hydrogenics-groundbreaking-hydrogen-blending-project-Ontario.aspx
149
Air Products (2021) Air Products Announces Multi-Billion Dollar Net-Zero Hydrogen Energy Complex in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Cision PR
Newswire. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/air-products-announces-multi-billion-dollar-net-zero-hydrogen-energy-complex-in-
edmonton-alberta-canada-301308810.html
Crituc (2021) PAN-CANADIAN HYDROGEN FUEL CELL ELECTRIC BUS DEMONSTRATION AND INTEGRATION TRIAL. https://cutric-crituc.org/wp-
150

content/uploads/2021/08/FCEB_Brochure_v2_August2021.pdf
CH2M HILL Canada Ltd, Ernst & Young Orenda Corporate Finance Inc, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (2018) Regional Express Rail Program
151

Hydrail Feasibility Study Report: Revision B. https://www.metrolinx.com/en/news/announcements/hydrail-resources/CPG-PGM-RPT-

245_HydrailFeasibilityReport_R1.pdf
NuclearNewswire (2021) Feasibility study for nuclear hydrogen under way in Canada, Nuclear News. https://www.ans.org/news/article-
152

3016/feasibility-study-for-nuclear-hydrogen-under-way-in-canada/

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 33
 Province Projects/Notes

Québec Air Liquide and HTEC mobility project: A light-duty hydrogen fuelling station will be established in
2022 by Air Liquide and the Hydrogen Technology & Energy Corporation (HTEC). 153
The Glencore RAGLAN Mine Renewable Electricity Smart-Grid Pilot Demonstration: demonstrates
hydrogen energy storage (installed 2014), has been deemed a success; Tugliq Energy Co, owner of
the wind turbine and energy storage systems, has announced plans to implement similar systems at
other remote sites. 154
Multiple feedstock projects that utilise hydrogen produced from renewable sources are currently
under development. Examples include: 155
Recyclage Carbone Varenne (RCV): Hydro-Québec, Canada’s largest electricity producer, is
establishing an electrolyser facility to generate renewable hydrogen and oxygen to supply to the
Recyclage Carbone Varenne (RCV) project (a plant that produces biofuels and renewable chemicals
from non-recyclable materials). 156
ArcelorMittal Port-Cartier pellet plant: In November 2021, and the government of Québec
announced a CAD 205 million investment to convert its 10 million tonne p.a. iron pellet production
to direct reduced iron (DRI) with natural gas by 2025. ArcelorMittal will pilot the replacement of
natural gas with hydrogen for its DRI process before 2025. 157
Hy2gen 158: Hy2Gen is active in two locations in Quebec. Courant will host a green ammonia
production platform, producing 3.2 MT per hour from hydropower. Construction is expected to
commence in 2022, and production in 2026. Boyen will host an e-Methanol production platform
using 18MT per day of hydrogen from hydropower and 250mt per day of forest biomass.
Construction is expected to commence in 2022, and e-methanol production in 2026. 159

1.4.3 Major domestic commercial hydrogen projects

The scope of this report is on research, development and demonstration (RD&D) projects. For
information on commercial hydrogen projects, see HyResource, an online knowledge sharing platform
across the hydrogen community led by CSIRO, Future Fuels CRC, NERA and the Australian Hydrogen
Council.

HyResource provides a directory of publicly available databases and information sources on

international projects:

• https://research.csiro.au/hyresource/projects/international/

153
PetrolPlaza Correspondent (2021) Canada: New light-duty hydrogen station in Quebec in 2022. https://www.petrolplaza.com/news/27766
154
Matrix (2015) Hatch Microgrid helps manage wind power storage at Raglan, International Mining. https://im-mining.com/2015/11/24/hatch-
microgrid-helps-manage-wind-power-storage-at-raglan/; Tugliq Energie Co. (2018) Raglan I – Hybrid Wind, Diesel and Storage Energy Generation in
Arctic Canada. https://tugliq.com/en/realisation/raglan-i/
155
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
156
Ingram E (2020) Hydro-Québec to build hydrogen electrolyzer facility powered primarily by hydropower, Renewable Energy World.
https://www.renewableenergyworld.com/hydrogen/hydro-quebec-to-build-hydrogen-electrolyzer-facility-powered-primarily-by-hydropower/#gref
157
ArcelorMittal (2021) ArcelorMittal announces CAD 205 million decarbonisation investment in its flagship Canadian mining operations with
support from the Quebec government. Press Releases. https://corporate.arcelormittal.com/media/press-releases/arcelormittal-announces-cad-
205-million-decarbonisation-investment-in-its-flagship-canadian-mining-operations-with-support-from-the-quebec-government
158
Hy2Gen is also active in France, Germany and Norway.
159
Hy2Gen (2021) Hy2Gen Canada Inc. https://hy2gen.com/canada/

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 34
 International collaboration and joint RD&D projects

1.5.1 Overview of Canada’s approach to international collaboration

The Hydrogen Strategy for Canada 160 and Canada’s A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy 161 both
highlight the importance of international collaboration to accelerate the development and deployment of
hydrogen technologies to achieve decarbonisation ambitions. 162
International scientific collaboration
Canada has developed formal science and technology partnerships with established and emerging
international partners. 163 These agreements establish guidelines to facilitate greater collaboration between
international science and technology researchers. The Canadian government notes that whilst formal
partnerships or Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) cannot be negotiated with all countries, Canada is
open to high-quality proposals. 164 Canada’s existing international science and technology partnerships can
be found here.
Hydrogen-specific collaboration
In the Hydrogen Strategy for Canada, 165 Canada signalled their strong intention to collaborate with
international partners on hydrogen RD&D and commercialisation. 166 The development of strategic
international partnerships was 1 of 8 key recommendations proposed by the Strategy, with a particular
focus on knowledge and technology sharing. Canadian industry, research institutions and government
agencies have a strong history of international collaboration across the hydrogen value chain. These
collaborations span across various aspects of the value chain and research phases, including RD&D,
commercialisation, deployment and standards and policy development. 167 Canada is open to hydrogen-
specific strategic partnerships in the following areas: 168
• International trade and export opportunities;
• the development of policies, standards and technical specifications; and
• R&D in mutual areas of interest.

160
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
161
Government of Canada (2020) A healthy environment and a healthy economy. <
https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/eccc/documents/pdf/climate-change/climate-plan/healthy_environment_healthy_economy_plan.pdf>
162
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
163
Global Affairs Canada (2021) Collaborative Opportunities, Trade Commissioner Service, Government of Canada.
https://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/innovators-innovateurs/agreements-ententes.aspx?lang=eng
164
Global Affairs Canada (2021) Collaborative Opportunities, Trade Commissioner Service, Government of Canada.
https://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/innovators-innovateurs/agreements-ententes.aspx?lang=eng
165
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
166
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
167
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
168
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 35
It should be noted that while Canada seeks to collaborate in technology areas of mutual interest, some
sectors (namely the mining sector) are highly competitive. In its hydrogen strategy, Canada states it may
seek to protect Canadian IP in order to maintain a competitive advantage. 169
Hydrogen-specific bilateral and multilateral programs
Canada has entered into several hydrogen-specific bilateral and multilateral agreements, which foster
enhanced collaboration, knowledge and technology sharing to help achieve mutual hydrogen-related
ambitions. These country-specific international agreements are outlined in Section 1.5.2 Canada’s bilateral
hydrogen relationships.
Canada is a founding member of the following international hydrogen initiatives across the value chain: 170
• The IEA hydrogen Technology Collaboration Programs (TCPs), which coordinate public and private
sector research to accelerate global hydrogen RD&D. Canada is also a member of the Advanced Fuel
Cells TCP, which focuses extensively on fuel cell technologies, applications and systems modelling;
• The International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE), which commits
members to commercialising fuel cell and hydrogen-related technologies;
• The Hydrogen Initiative under the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM), comprising 20 nations of which
Canada is a founding leader. Key objectives of the CEM include facilitating enhanced collaboration;
addressing barriers; driving the commercialisation and deployment of fuel cell technologies and
FCEVs; and identifying opportunities for hydrogen across global markets; 171 and
• Mission Innovation – a global alliance with goals to accelerate public and private innovation, and
increase RD&D investment of technologies that address climate change. The ‘Clean Hydrogen Mission’
is one of seven focus areas of Mission Innovation.

1.5.2 Canada’s bilateral hydrogen relationships

The Canadian Government has various formal and informal hydrogen-specific relationships, which
underscore Canada’s commitment to international collaboration. Table 11 outlines Canada’s formal
hydrogen-related international partnerships.

169
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
170
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
171
Clean Energy Ministerial (2021) Hydrogen Initiative: An initiative of the Clean Energy Ministerial.
https://www.cleanenergyministerial.org/initiative-clean-energy-ministerial/hydrogen-initiative

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 36
Table 11: Formalised relationships with other countries 172

Country Relationship Description

Netherlands MoU In October 2021, Canada and the Netherlands agreed to the Canada-
Netherlands Hydrogen Memorandum of Understanding. The MoU seeks to
facilitate greater bilateral cooperation and knowledge sharing in the
following areas: standards, trade rules, policies, technologies and
investment. Additional objectives of the MoU include promoting public and
private sector investment in clean hydrogen projects, and strengthening
collaboration in multilateral hydrogen forums, such as the IPHE. 173

United States MoU In August 2021, the Department of Natural Resources of Canada and the
of America Department of Energy of the United States of America signed an MoU
regarding ‘cooperation on energy.’ Whilst not hydrogen-specific, the MoU
formalises collaboration between Canada and the USA and has various
cooperative objectives. These include, but are not limited to: knowledge and
technology sharing; collaboration on codes, standards and policy
developments; promoting adoption of zero-emission light and medium-duty
FCEVs; exploring partnerships among research institutions; renewable
energy integration studies; and enhancing regional and global engagement
on energy issues. 174

Germany Partnership/MoU In March 2021, the Canadian and German Governments entered an energy
partnership, which establishes a formal collaboration across a range of
shared energy priorities – including hydrogen – with the aim of facilitating
industry engagement and investment opportunities. The partnership will
establish a High-Level Steering Committee that will facilitate knowledge
sharing and project development across the following areas: energy policy
and regulations; renewable energy integration; energy efficiency; sector
coupling; low-carbon fuels; and innovation and applied research. 175

Japan MoU In June 2019, Canada and Japan signed two MoUs regarding clean energy
technology and the transition to net-zero emissions more generally. The first
MoU seeks to facilitate increased collaboration regarding clean energy and
energy efficiency more broadly. The second MoU commits both states to
increase collaboration on clean energy and CCUS R&D and
commercialisation activities. 176

172
NRCan (2021) International Energy Cooperation, Government of Canada. https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/resources/international-energy-
cooperation/17924
173
NRCan(2021) Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Canada and the Government of the Netherlands on cooperation in
the field of hydrogen energy, Government of Canada. https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/climate-change/canadas-green-future/the-hydrogen-
strategy/memorandum-understanding-between-the-government-canada-and-the-government-the-netherl/23907
NRCan (2021) Memorandum of Understanding, Government of Canada. https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/resources/international-energy-
174

cooperation/memorandum-understanding/23749
175
NRCan (2021) Canada Strengthens Energy Partnership with Germany [News Release], Government of Canada.
https://www.canada.ca/en/natural-resources-canada/news/2021/03/canada-strengthens-energy-partnership-with-
germany.html?utm_source=miragenews&utm_medium=miragenews&utm_campaign=news
176
PR Newswire (2019) Canada and Japan Announce Clean Energy Cooperation at G20, Market Insider.
https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/canada-and-japan-announce-clean-energy-cooperation-at-g20-1028284423

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 37
1.5.3 Canada’s joint international RD&D projects
Canada participates in hydrogen RD&D projects jointly with international partners. Recent projects are
summarised in Table 12.

Table 12: Canada's joint international RD&D projects

Country Projects

Japan In September 2021, Shell Canada and Japan’s Mitsubishi signed an MoU to produce low-carbon
hydrogen. As part of the MoU, Mitsubishi will build a low-carbon hydrogen production located near
Shell’s Scotford facility in Alberta in the second half of the decade. Once constructed, the facility will
aim to produce 165,000 tonnes of hydrogen per year and will be converted to ammonia for export.
Shell will provide CO2 storage capability at a proposed CCUS facility near Edmonton. 177

Australia The MoU held between the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (CHFCA) and the Australian
Hydrogen Council (AHC) (see Section 1.5.2 Canada’s bilateral hydrogen relationships) outlines
identifying opportunities for joint projects, including R&D and commercialisation efforts, as a key
area of cooperation. The MoU seeks to foster innovation across the value chain, particularly in the
commercial deployment of hydrogen production infrastructure and fuel cell technologies in the
mining and transportation sectors. 178 However, no joint projects have been announced to date.
Canadian-based AMP Energy plans to expand its growing Australian portfolio with an announcement
of an CAD 2.01 billion Renewable Energy Hub in South Australia, which will include large-scale
photovoltaics and battery energy systems. The hub will also contain wind-harnessing infrastructure
and be linked to a hydrogen production facility. 179

Germany Germany and Canada have a longstanding R&D relationship under the German-Canadian
Intergovernmental Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (signed 1971). 180
In June 2021, the NERSC and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
announced a collaborative partnership that will provide CAD 1 million for ten hydrogen R&D projects
through the Canada-Germany funding call. 181 These one-year collaborative research projects will
encompass technologies at various stages of development, including those that are considered
commercially ready in attempt to reduce their costs, and will lay a foundation for longer
collaborations on hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in the future.
Further, an agreement announced in early 2021 will see the ‘Green Hydrogen product division’ of
Thyssenkrupp Uhde Chlorine Engineers, a German subsidiary of the larger Thyssenkrupp group that
provides technologies and systems for high-efficiency electrolysis plants, install an 88MW water
electrolysis plant for Hydro-Quebec (an energy firm backed by the Quebec provincial government). 182

Reuters (2021) Japan's Mitsubishi partners with Shell Canada in clean energy push. https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/japans-
177

mitsubishi-partners-with-shell-canada-clean-energy-push-2021-09-08/
178
NRCan (2020) Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen – A Call to Action.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/environment/hydrogen/NRCan_Hydrogen-Strategy-Canada-na-en-v3.pdf
179
Scully J (2021) AMP Energy plans 1.3GW of Solar at South Australia renewables hub, PVTech. https://www.pv-tech.org/amp-energy-plans-1-3gw-
of-solar-at-south-australia-renewables-hub/
180
Mission Innovation. Canada: Plans and Priorities. http://mission-innovation.net/our-members/canada/plans-and-priorities/
NSERC (2021) Canada-Germany collaboration supports ten R&D partnerships on hydrogen technologies. https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Media-
181

Media/NewsDetail-DetailNouvelles_eng.asp?ID=1276
182
Thyssenkrupp (2020) Thyssenkrupp Uhde Chlorine Engineers. https://www.thyssenkrupp-uhde-chlorine-engineers.com/en/company; Frangoul A
(2021) Canada is set to have one of the world’s biggest green hydrogen plants , CNBC News. https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/19/canada-is-set-to-
have-one-the-worlds-biggest-green-hydrogen-plants.html

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 38
 Country Projects

South In December 2017, Canada and South Korea established the Canada-Korea Science, Technology and
Korea Innovation cooperation Joint Action Plan, which includes clean energy R&D projects between the two
states. 183

United In September 2017, Canada and the UK announced the Canada-UK Partnership on Clean Growth and
Kingdom Climate Change which seeks to accelerate and improve clean and renewable energy. 184
This relationship was strengthened in May 2018 with the announcement of the Canada-UK Power
Forward Challenge that provides Canadian and UK researchers and innovators with up to CAD 3
million to develop pilot demonstrations of high-impact innovative smart grid solutions, with the
winning group awarded a further CAD 1 million. Applicant teams include researchers and power,
technology and software companies from both countries. At least 20% of the project team should
include firms from the partnering country. 185

CTA Projects
Hydrogen-related projects under the CTA are detailed in Table 13. For more information on the CTA
mechanism, see Section 1.3.3 Funding mechanisms.

Table 13: CTA projects related to hydrogen

Country/Region Projects Program dates

Germany This initiative supports scale up of Canadian companies commercialising Program ended in
CCUS in Germany, including the decarbonisation of hydrogen April 30 2022
production and H2 based synthetic fuels. The initiative also supports
companies seeking to commercialise products in the areas of hydrolyser
materials and hydrogen applications in industrial processes; fuel cells;
and hydrogen handling equipment

Southeast Asia Based in Singapore, this initiative includes supporting scale up of clean Program ended in
technologies in Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines. April 2022

US This initiative supported the growth of Canadian ‘climatech’ businesses Program ended in
in New York, San Francisco, Boston and Denver. October 2021

183
Mission Innovation. Canada: Plans and Priorities. http://mission-innovation.net/our-members/canada/plans-and-priorities/
184
Mission Innovation (2021) Canada: Plans and Priorities. http://mission-innovation.net/our-members/canada/plans-and-priorities/
Mission Innovation (2021) Canada: Plans and Priorities. http://mission-innovation.net/our-members/canada/plans-and-priorities/; Impact
185

Canada (2021) Power Forward Challenge, Government of Canada. https://impact.canada.ca/en/challenges/power-forward/challenge

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 39
1.5.4 Canada’s joint international commercial projects

The scope of this report is on research, development and demonstration (RD&D) projects. For
information on commercial hydrogen projects, see HyResource, an online knowledge sharing platform
across the hydrogen community led by CSIRO, Future Fuels CRC, NERA and the Australian Hydrogen
Council.

HyResource provides a directory of publicly available databases and information sources on

international projects:

• https://research.csiro.au/hyresource/projects/international/

Data insights: Canada’s hydrogen RD&D activity

The following section provides data-driven insights on Canada’s RD&D activity in hydrogen technologies.
Research publication data, patent data, and commercial project data has been used to understand
hydrogen related activity. While limitations exist with such an approach, these data sources do provide an
opportunity to consider activity across the innovation spectrum from basic research to demonstration. It
also aims to help identify technology areas that have received significant focus in each country and key
organisations to support international collaboration efforts.
The data for this section was sourced from CSIRO’s publications team, CSIRO’s IP team, IP Australia, and the
IEA’s hydrogen projects database.

Figure 5: Hydrogen innovation activity data

1.6.1 Research publication data

Research publications in hydrogen are an indicator of basic and applied research activity. CSIRO’s
publications team has conducted a research publication scan to identify Canadian organisations conducting
research across the hydrogen value chain. The publications search approach was developed in 2019 to
support the report Hydrogen Research, Development and Demonstration: Priorities and opportunities for
Australia. This search approach was applied in 2021 to provide an updated dataset for this report. The
details of the search approach can be found in the National Hydrogen Research, Development and
Demonstration (RD&D): Technical Repository. 186

186
CSIRO (2019) National Hydrogen Research, Development and Demonstration (RD&D): Technical Repository. Available at
https://www.csiro.au/en/work-with-us/services/consultancy-strategic-advice-services/csiro-futures/futures-reports/hydrogen-research

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 40
Figure 6 shows the Canadian institutions ranked in terms of publication output across hydrogen production,
storage and distribution, and utilisation from 2016-2020. Figure 7 shows Canada’s country-wide research
publication output trends across the hydrogen value chain.

Figure 6: Top institutions by publication output (2016-2020)

Figure 7: Canada's hydrogen-related publication output (2001-2020)

1.6.2 Patent data

Patent activity in hydrogen is an indicator of applied R&D and innovation occurring across the value chain.
This section draws on two different patent analytics approaches. CSIRO developed a search approach in
2019 to support the Hydrogen Research, Development and Demonstration: Priorities and opportunities for
Australia report. CSIRO applied this approach to provide a patent landscape across the hydrogen value
chain for each country. The details of the search approach and any limitations can be found in the National
Hydrogen Research, Development and Demonstration (RD&D): Technical Repository. 187 The second

187
CSIRO (2019) National Hydrogen Research, Development and Demonstration (RD&D): Technical Repository. Available at <
https://www.csiro.au/en/work-with-us/services/consultancy-strategic-advice-services/csiro-futures/futures-reports/hydrogen-
research

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 41
approach, performed by IP Australia, builds on the hydrogen technology taxonomy developed in CSIRO’s
2019 report to provide information on specific hydrogen technologies that sit within production, storage
and utilisation. The full data visualisations, details of the search approach and any limitations can be found
at Patent analytics of hydrogen technologies: an interactive visualisation. 188
It should be noted that analysis of patent data is not necessarily representative of patent impact. As such,
this data should be viewed holistically with the other data presented in this section, particularly project
deployment.

Patent landscape of hydrogen value chain

Performed by the CSIRO, this patent landscape analyses patent family 189 filings across the hydrogen value
chain. Figure 8 outlines patent filings over time across the areas of hydrogen production,
storage/distribution and utilisation. Figure 9 shows the jurisdictions in which Canadian patent applicants
are filing patents, outside of Canada. This provides an indication of which global markets, or
manufacturing/commercialisation destinations are of interest to Canadian patent applicants or inventors.
Note that patent databases have a delay of roughly 18 months, therefore 2020 and 2021 have been
omitted from the graphs below. Some patent filings may also be counted twice as the categories of
production, storage and utilisation may not be mutually exclusive in all instances and some could relate to
multiple areas of the hydrogen value chain.

Figure 8: Patent filings over time across production, storage/distribution and utilisation

188
IP Australia (2021) Patent Analytics on Hydrogen Technology, Australian Government. Available at https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/tools-
resources/publications-reports/patent-analytics-hydrogen-technology
189
Applications with the same priority, but filed in different jurisdictions, are known as patent families. Patent families enable us to analyse
inventive activity regardless of the number of countries in which protection is sought. Patent families are used in analytics to represent a single
invention.

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 42
 Figure 9: Location of patent filings by Canadian patent applicants

* The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) is an international organisation that promotes the protection of intellectual property and
supervises administrative cooperation amongst the intellectual unions regarding protection of intellectual property. Patents filed in the WIPO
enable applicants to obtain protection for their inventions in up to 153 of the parties to the Patent Cooperation Treaty.

** The European Patent Office enables investors, researchers and companies to obtain protection for their inventions in up to 44 countries,
including all 27 EU member states.

Patent analytics of specific hydrogen technologies

Data extracted from IP Australia’s interactive visualisation provides an in-depth analysis of specific
hydrogen technology developments. Figure 10 shows the number of patent families filed since 2010 for
specific technology areas by Canadian applicants.
Table 14 shows the number of patent families filed by Canadian applicants since 2010 by sub-technology
area, expressed as a percentage of total global patent family filings. Table 14 also shows the top
organisations in Canada filing patents in each technology area. It should be noted that the majority of fuel
cell technologies are categorised under the ‘electricity generation’ category.

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 43
 Figure 10: Canada's patent family output by sub-technology area (2010-2020)

Table 14: Canada’s IP output (number of patent families filed by Canadian applicants) by sub-technology area from
2010-2020

Technology area IP output Leading companies Leading non-profits and

(% of global) universities

Production Electrolysis 1.1% Dynacert, Blackberry, Axine University of British

Water Technologies, Next Columbia, University of
Hydrogen Corporation, Ontario Institute of
Clummins, Imagia Technology, University
Cybernetics Health Network, University
of Toronto

Fossil fuel 2.2% Expander Energy, Enerkem, University of Regina, NRC,

conversion Iogen Corporation, G4 Lakehead University,
Insights, 1304342 Alberta, University of Toronto,
Ekona Power, Aurora
Technology

Biomass and 2.6% Enerkem, Alter NRG, IOGEN, Saskatchewan Research

waste G4 Insights, Expander Energy Council, Lakehead
conversion University, University of
Regina, McGill University,
Queens University

Thermal water 1.9% N/A McGill University

splitting

Biological 2.1% IOGEN, Greenfield Specialty Centre National de la

hydrogen Alcohols, Greenfield Ethanol, Recherche Scientifique
production Greenfield Specialty Alcohols (CNRS), NRC, Institut De
Recherche En
Agroenvironnement Inc.
(IRDA), University of
Western Ontario, University
of Alberta

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 44
 Technology area IP output Leading companies Leading non-profits and
(% of global) universities

Photochemical 1.1% Enlighten Innovations, McGill University

and Solarship, Field Upgrading
photocatalytic

Storage and Compression 1.1% N/A N/A

distribution and
liquefaction

Chemical 1.6% Luxfer Canada, Westport McGill University, University

storage Power, Dynetek Industries, of Toronto, Université Du
Atomic Energy of Canada Québec A Trois-Rivieres
Limited, IOGEN

Utilisation Gas blending 2.2% 1304342 Alberta, Valiant, CNRS, University of

1304338 Alberta, ISCA Manitoba, University of
Management, Quadrogen British Columbia
Power Systems, FortisBC,
Enbridge

Transport 1.0% Dynacert, Empire Hydrogen N/A

Energy Systems, Next
Hydrogen Corporation,
Boom Energy, Sheer
Technology

Electricity 0.8% Ballard Power Systems, UTI University of Alberta,

generation Limited Partnership, Ekona University of Windsor,
Power, Neos Alternatives, University of Toronto, IRDA
Boom Energy

Industrial 1.7% Fluid Energy Group, University of New

processes Expander Energy, Orbite Brunswick, University of
Guelph

IP Australia patent analytics on hydrogen technology

IP Australia has developed an interactive visualisation tool to provide hydrogen insights to the
Australian research, academics, business and policy sectors. For more hydrogen IP statistics including
key destination markets, origin profiles, applicant profiles, collaborations and specific patent searches,
refer to IP Australia’s Hydrogen Patent Landscape tool:

• https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/tools-resources/publications-reports/patent-analytics-hydrogen-
technology

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 45
1.6.3 Project data
Data from the IEA Hydrogen Projects Database (as at October 2021) 190 provides insight on clean hydrogen
technology value chains deployed at pilot and commercial scale across Canada. Note that the following
limitations should be taken into account:
1) The database does not indicate whether the technologies used are indigenous or purchased from an
overseas provider. While many countries often deploy their own technologies at scale, many countries
purchase technologies from overseas to deploy locally. As such the database indicates deployment
activity, but not necessarily the ability to translate indigenous R&D into commercial scale-up.
2) This dataset counts only low-carbon hydrogen projects and their associated value chains. As such
hydrogen production projects from gas, coal and oil without CCUS are not included. Similarly, utilisation
projects not related to a clean hydrogen project source are not included.
3) The dataset reflects only projects occurring domestically, and therefore does not count projects
undertaken by Canadian companies outside of Canada. As such, the table may understate Canada’s
activity, particularly its contribution to international supply chain development. This data should
therefore be considered holistically with the rest of this report.
4) Any limitations stated in the data collection methodology, definitions and assumptions should be taken
into account (see IEA Hydrogen Projects Database for details).
For the purposes of this report, the dataset has been filtered to include only projects from 2010 through to
projects expected to be operational by 2030, as this timespan best reflects current activities. Projects
without a specified date have been excluded from the table below. Further, only projects that are at
feasibility study, final investment decision, demonstration, or operational stage are included. Projects at
the ‘concept’ stage are not included. It should be noted that the majority of projects listed span production,
storage and multiple end-uses, and as such can be counted in more than one technology category.

Table 15: Canada's domestic clean hydrogen project data

Domestic project % of global

Technology Sub-technology
count

Production PEM 2 1.1

Alkaline 4 3.4
Electrolysis
SOE - -

Other or unspecified 4 1.6

Coal gasification with -

-
CCUS

Natural gas with 13.9

5
Fossil fuel conversion CCUS

Oil with CCUS 1 16.7

Methane pyrolysis - -

190
IEA (2021) Hydrogen Projects Database. Available at https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/data-product/hydrogen-projects-database

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 46
 Domestic project % of global
Technology Sub-technology
count

Biomass and waste conversion - -

Photochemical and -
-
photocatalytic

Biological production - -

Thermal water splitting - -

Storage and Compression and liquefaction 15 3.0

distribution
Ammonia 1 3.6

Methane - -
Chemical carriers
Methanol - -

Synfuels - -

Utilisation Gas blending 2 1.5

Transport 3 1.3

Electricity generation 5 3.7

Refining - -

Ammonia - -

Methane - -

Industrial processes Iron and steel - -

Biofuels - -

Synfuel - -

Other industry 9 6.6

IEA Hydrogen Projects Database

The latest version of the IEA Hydrogen Projects Database can be found at:

• https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/data-product/hydrogen-projects-database

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 47
 As Australia’s national science agency and
innovation catalyst, CSIRO is solving the
greatest challenges through innovative
science and technology.
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Contact us
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For further information

CSIRO Hydrogen Industry Mission
Dr Patrick Hartley, Research Director
+61 3 9545 2595
patrick.hartley@csiro.au

CSIRO Energy
Dan O’Sullivan, Program Manager
+61 7 3833 5569
dan.osullivan@csiro.au

CSIRO Futures
Vivek Srinivasan, Associate Director
+61 3 9545 8057
vivek.srinivasan@csiro.au

CSIRO Australia’s National Science Agency Hydrogen RD&D Collaboration Opportunities: Canada | 48